Kentucky vs West Virginia Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $327/yr more in Kentucky
$27/mo · $13/paycheck more
$58,968/yr in Kentucky vs $58,641/yr in West Virginia.
Kentucky
Take-home per paycheck
$2,267.98
$58,968/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
West Virginia
Take-home per paycheck
$2,255.42
$58,641/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Kentucky is 4% higher than in West Virginia.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,968 in Kentucky has the purchasing power of $61,313 in West Virginia terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Kentucky comes out ahead by $2,672/yr.
Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.
Tax system comparison
Kentucky: Kentucky has a flat state income tax of 3.50%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.
West Virginia: West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets ranging from 2.36% to 5.12%.
Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)
| Salary | Kentucky take-home | West Virginia take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,605 | $40,644 | -$38 |
| $75,000 | $58,968 | $58,641 | + $327 |
| $100,000 | $75,680 | $74,949 | + $732 |
| $150,000 | $108,541 | $107,000 | + $1,542 |
| $200,000 | $141,927 | $139,576 | + $2,352 |
| $300,000 | $204,677 | $200,705 | + $3,972 |
Positive values mean higher take-home in Kentucky. Assumes single filer, no deductions.
FAQ
Which state has lower taxes, Kentucky or West Virginia?
At a $100,000 salary, Kentucky results in $732 more annual take-home pay. Kentucky has a flat state income tax of 3.50%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets ranging from 2.36% to 5.12%.
How much more do you take home in Kentucky vs the other state?
The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $39/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,542/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $3,972/yr.
Do Kentucky and West Virginia have the same federal taxes?
Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.
Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or West Virginia?
West Virginia is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Kentucky is 2% higher than in West Virginia. Kentucky's Regional Price Parity is 88.3 and West Virginia's is 86.7 (US average = 100).
Is West Virginia cheaper than Kentucky?
Yes. West Virginia has a lower cost of living than Kentucky (index 86.7 vs 88.3). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Kentucky more expensive than West Virginia?
Yes. Kentucky has a higher cost of living (index 88.3) compared to West Virginia (index 86.7). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.
After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?
At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $75,680 in Kentucky has the purchasing power of $77,077 in West Virginia terms. Conversely, $74,949 in West Virginia equals $73,590 in Kentucky terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Kentucky comes out ahead.
Kentucky vs West Virginia cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 2% different between Kentucky and West Virginia. Living costs are 12% below the national average Living costs are 13% below the national average — one of the lowest in the US After taxes and cost of living, Kentucky gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.
Related tools
- Kentucky vs West Virginia Cost of Living — Compare housing, groceries, utilities, and overall expenses
- How much house can you afford in Kentucky?
- How much house can you afford in West Virginia?
Kentucky Paycheck Estimator · West Virginia Paycheck Estimator · All states