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Moving from Kansas to Kentucky

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Plains, aviation industry, university towns. vs. Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix.

KS state flag
Living now

Kansas

Capital: Topeka

Median household income $69,747 · winter low 21°F · 217 sunny days

Plains, aviation industry, university towns.

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
Kansas
90.1
Kentucky
90.2
Housing index
Kansas
71.2
Kentucky
64.3
Kentucky has 9.6% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Kansas
94.0
Kentucky
96.0
Kentucky has 2.1% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Kansas
98.5
Kentucky
98.5
Electricity rate
Kansas
15.8 ¢/kWh
Kentucky
15 ¢/kWh
Kentucky has 4.8% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Kansas
98.0
Kentucky
98.0
Median home value
Kansas
$238,700
Kentucky
$226,000
Kentucky is 5.3% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Kansas
$1,079/mo
Kentucky
$998/mo
Kentucky is 7.5% cheaper to rent

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

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

Avg summer high
Kansas
89°F
Kentucky
87°F
Kentucky is 2.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Kansas
21°F
Kentucky
26°F
Kentucky is 24% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Kansas
55°F
Kentucky
56°F
Kentucky is 2.8% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Kansas
217
Kentucky
189
Kentucky has 13% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Kansas
32 in
Kentucky
48 in
Kentucky is 53% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Kansas
80
Kentucky
82
Kentucky has 2.5% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Kansas
12
Kentucky
1
Kentucky has 92% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Kansas
16 in
Kentucky
9 in
Kentucky is 44% less annual snowfall

Get the full KansasKentucky report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky than Kansas?

Kentucky's overall price level is roughly 87.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 90.1 for Kansas, 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?

Kansas tops out at 5.58% 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.

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