Kentucky
92.5
composite · rank #18
- Housing
- 78.1
- Grocery
- 101.4
- Utilities
- 87.8
Compare different states
Q1 2026
Q1 2026Kentucky vs Ohio Cost of Living
Kentucky has the lower cost of living by 1.2 index points. Compare category indexes and equivalent salaries in both directions.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Lower cost of living
Kentucky is lower
1.2 index points lower. A $100,000 lifestyle in Ohio is roughly $98,719 in Kentucky.
Side-by-side cost of living scoreboard
Ohio
93.7
composite · rank #20
- Housing
- 86.3
- Grocery
- 98.9
- Utilities
- 100.9
Category-by-category comparison
| Category | Kentucky | Ohio | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 101.4 | 98.9 | Ohio |
| Housing | 78.1 | 86.3 | Kentucky |
| Utilities | 87.8 | 100.9 | Kentucky |
| Transportation | 95.8 | 92.7 | Ohio |
| Health care | 92.4 | 96.5 | Kentucky |
| Misc. goods & services | 101.6 | 96 | Ohio |
Grocery
Kentucky101.4
Ohio98.9
Lower cost: Ohio
Housing
Kentucky78.1
Ohio86.3
Lower cost: Kentucky
Utilities
Kentucky87.8
Ohio100.9
Lower cost: Kentucky
Transportation
Kentucky95.8
Ohio92.7
Lower cost: Ohio
Health care
Kentucky92.4
Ohio96.5
Lower cost: Kentucky
Misc. goods & services
Kentucky101.6
Ohio96
Lower cost: Ohio
Equivalent salary examples
Salary needed in the destination state to match purchasing power in the origin state.
| Origin salary | Needed in Ohio | Needed in Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $50,649 | $49,360 |
| $75,000 | $75,973 | $74,039 |
| $100,000 | $101,297 | $98,719 |
| $150,000 | $151,946 | $148,079 |
| $250,000 | $253,243 | $246,798 |
$50,000 origin salary
In Ohio$50,649
In Kentucky$49,360
$75,000 origin salary
In Ohio$75,973
In Kentucky$74,039
$100,000 origin salary
In Ohio$101,297
In Kentucky$98,719
$150,000 origin salary
In Ohio$151,946
In Kentucky$148,079
Housing gap
Kentucky housing is 78.1; Ohio is 86.3.
Salary planning
$100,000 in Kentucky is roughly $101,297 in Ohio.
Statewide averages
Indexes average participating urban areas. Local rents and wages can differ sharply inside either state.
Kentucky vs Ohio cost of living FAQs
Kentucky has the lower cost of living by 1.2 index points. The composite indexes are 92.5 in Kentucky and 93.7 in Ohio (US average = 100).
About $101,297 in Ohio would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Kentucky, based on the composite indexes.
About $98,719 in Kentucky would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Ohio.
Housing indexes are 78.1 in Kentucky and 86.3 in Ohio. Housing is often the largest driver, but groceries, utilities, transportation, health care, and other goods also matter.
No. These are statewide averages of participating urban areas. Your city, neighborhood, housing choice, family size, and spending mix can produce a very different personal cost of living.
Kentucky has the lower average index, but wages, taxes, insurance, schools, and job opportunities should also be compared.
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Composite index, category costs, and equivalent-salary examples.
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Data period Q1 2026. Statewide urban-area averages; not personal budget calculations.