State Comparison
Ohio vs Kentucky
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
Ohio leads in 8 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $205,000 in Ohio vs $195,000 in Kentucky — a $10,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Ohio has a 3.5% top income tax rate while Kentucky has a 4% top rate. Property tax rates are 1.56% vs 0.86%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Ohio's index is 90.8 and Kentucky's is 90.3 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real Ohio and Kentucky data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ohio or Kentucky more affordable?
Kentucky has a lower cost of living index (90.3) compared to Ohio (90.8), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — Ohio or Kentucky?
Overall, Ohio has a lower combined tax burden. Ohio has a 3.5% top income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.56% property tax. Kentucky has a 4% top income tax, 6% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
What are housing costs in Ohio vs Kentucky?
The median home price in Ohio is $205,000 compared to $195,000 in Kentucky. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $900/month in Ohio vs $860/month in Kentucky.
Which state is better for starting a business — Ohio or Kentucky?
LLC filing costs are $99 in Ohio vs $40 in Kentucky, with annual fees of $0 and $15 respectively. Ohio's 3.5% top tax rate compared to Kentucky's 4% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from Ohio to Kentucky?
It depends on your priorities. Ohio wins in 8 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing Ohio and Kentucky
When deciding between living in Ohio or Kentucky, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.
Ohio (OH) has a median household income of $58,642 with a cost of living index of 90.8. Kentucky (KY) has a median household income of $55,573 with a cost of living index of 90.3.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Ohio calculator or Kentucky calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.