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Kentucky

Moderate tax burden · COL index 85

Wins 8 categories

VS

Ohio

Moderate tax burden · COL index 88

Wins 4 categories

Property taxes are meaningfully different: Ohio averages 1.37% annually vs Kentucky's 0.78%.

Kentucky
Ohio

Taxes

4%
Income Tax (top rate)
3.5%
0.78%/yr
Property Tax Rate
1.37%/yr
6%
Sales Tax (avg)
7.22%
Yes
Social Security Tax
Yes
Yes
Estate Tax
Yes
As income
Capital Gains Tax
As income

Housing & Cost of Living

85
COL Index (100=avg)
88
$215K
Median Home Price
$235K
$1,050/mo
Median Rent (2BR/mo)
$1,050/mo
$2K/yr
Home Insurance (avg/yr)
$1K/yr

Crime & Safety

228
Violent Crime / 100K
303
1,770
Property Crime / 100K
2,081

Healthcare

#24 of 50
Healthcare Quality Rank
#22 of 50
73.5 yrs
Life Expectancy
75.4 yrs
6.8%
Uninsured Rate
6.9%
Yes
Medicaid Expansion
Yes

Education

#34 of 50
K-12 Quality Rank
#28 of 50
Yes
School Choice / Vouchers
Yes

Childcare

$890/mo
Avg Infant Care / mo
$1,100/mo

Utilities & Daily Costs

$125/mo
Avg Energy Bill / mo
$140/mo
$400/mo
Avg Groceries / mo
$450/mo
#18 of 50
Road Quality Rank
#43 of 50

Social Policy

F
Gun Laws Grade
F
R+26.0
2024 Presidential Margin
R+12.0

Category wins

8

Kentucky

4

Ohio

Run the full slider tool to score these states against your specific income, home value, retirement, and lifestyle priorities.

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People Also Ask

Is it better to live in Ohio or Kentucky?

It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati is often better for buyers who want city energy, easier Ohio-side commuting, and closer access to major employers. Northern Kentucky is often better for buyers who want airport convenience, scenic views, strong value, and a slightly calmer pace.

Are income taxes higher in Ohio or Kentucky?

Ohio – 3.125% on taxable income over $100,000. Iowa – 3.8% flat rate. Arkansas – 3.9% on taxable income over $4,600. Kentucky – 4% flat rate.

How much is $100,000 after taxes in Kentucky?

What are the pros and cons of living in Kentucky?

Full Kentucky Profile →Full Ohio Profile →

Your Priorities

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Quick Profiles

Dial in your priorities

Annual Income

$150K

Affects effective income tax rate

$0$500K$5M+

Retirement Savings

$0

Affects pension and SS tax burden

None$500K$10M+

Social Security

None

Annual Social Security benefit

None$150K/yr

My Property Is Worth

$400K

Affects property tax burden

Tax burden ↓$1M$50M+

Home Buying Budget

$400K

Compared to state median home price

Hard to find$250K$5M+

Monthly Rent Budget

Don't care

Compared to state median 2BR rent

Don't care$10K/mo

Job Market

Don't care

State unemployment and job growth

Don't careHot market

Airport Access

Don't care

Direct flight destinations from state hubs

Don't careMust have hub

City vs Country

Mid-size city

% urban population

Deep countryBig city

Sunshine

Don't care

Annual sunny days per state

Don't careMax sunshine

Food Scene

Don't care

Restaurants per 100K residents

Don't careWorld-class

Political Preference

Neutral

State's political lean

LiberalConservative

Gun Laws

Neutral

State gun law grade (Giffords)

Gun Control2A Freedom

Abortion Access

Neutral

State abortion access policy

Pro-ChoiceNeutralPro-Life

Community

None

Congregations per 100K residents

AvoidDon't careSeek

Sports & Entertainment

Don't care

Pro sports teams and major venues

Don't careMust have pro teams

Cannabis Laws

Neutral

State cannabis legality

Prefer LegalNeutralPrefer Prohibition

Retiree Community

Neutral

% population 65+ (Census)

Young areaRetirement-heavy

Dating Market

Neutral

% adults never-married (Census)

Singles sceneFamily community

Safety / Low Crime

Don't care

Violent crime rate per 100K (FBI)

Don't careVery safe

School Quality

Don't care

K-12 rank (Education Week)

Don't careTop-ranked

Healthcare Access

Don't care

Healthcare system rank (Commonwealth Fund)

Don't careTop-ranked

Childcare Affordability

Don't care

Cost of living proxy for childcare affordability

Don't careMust be affordable