Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Hawaii to Kentucky

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Pacific paradise, eye-watering housing, isolated. vs. Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix.

HI state flag
Living now

Hawaii

Capital: Honolulu

Median household income $94,814 · winter low 65°F · 271 sunny days

Pacific paradise, eye-watering housing, isolated.

KY state flag
Moving to

Kentucky

Capital: Frankfort

Median household income $60,183 · winter low 26°F · 189 sunny days

Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix.

Kentucky has an overall price level 90.2 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Hawaii
110.0
Kentucky
90.2
Kentucky has 18% lower overall price level
Housing index
Hawaii
125.3
Kentucky
64.3
Kentucky has 49% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Hawaii
102.5
Kentucky
97.5
Kentucky has 4.8% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Hawaii
101.5
Kentucky
98.5
Kentucky has 2.9% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Hawaii
42.2 ¢/kWh
Kentucky
14.9 ¢/kWh
Kentucky has 65% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Hawaii
102.0
Kentucky
98.0
Kentucky has 3.9% lower transportation
Median home value
Hawaii
$875,900
Kentucky
$226,000
Kentucky is 74% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Hawaii
$1,579/mo
Kentucky
$852/mo
Kentucky is 46% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 26°F · 189 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Hawaii
87°F
Kentucky
87°F
Avg winter low
Hawaii
65°F
Kentucky
26°F
Kentucky is 60% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Hawaii
72°F
Kentucky
56°F
Kentucky is 22% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Hawaii
271
Kentucky
189
Kentucky has 30% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Hawaii
57 in
Kentucky
48 in
Kentucky is 15% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Hawaii
17
Kentucky
48
Kentucky has 182% higher AQI
Snow / year
Hawaii
0 in
Kentucky
9 in

Get the full HawaiiKentucky report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky than Hawaii?

Kentucky's overall price level is roughly 87.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 113.2 for Hawaii — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Hawaii tops out at 11% income tax. Kentucky tops out at 3.5%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Kentucky?

Most Kentucky residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

Related comparisons