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Moving from Kentucky to District of Columbia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix. vs. Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

KY state flag
Living now

Kentucky

Capital: Frankfort

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

Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix.

DC
Moving to

District of Columbia

Capital: Washington

Median household income $101,722 · winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days

Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 · EIA electricity (live) state-level

District of Columbia has an overall price level 109.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Kentucky
90.2
District of Columbia
109.9
District of Columbia has 22% higher overall price level
Housing index
Kentucky
64.3
District of Columbia
155.0
District of Columbia has 141% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Kentucky
96.0
District of Columbia
106.5
District of Columbia has 11% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Kentucky
98.5
District of Columbia
101.5
District of Columbia has 3.0% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Kentucky
14.3 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia
24.4 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia has 71% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Kentucky
98.0
District of Columbia
102.0
District of Columbia has 4.0% higher transportation
Median home value (est.)
Kentucky
$197,000
District of Columbia
$631,000
District of Columbia is 220% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent (est.)
Kentucky
$1,010/mo
District of Columbia
$2,185/mo
District of Columbia is 116% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Kentucky
87°F
District of Columbia
88°F
District of Columbia is 1.1% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Kentucky
26°F
District of Columbia
28°F
District of Columbia is 7.7% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Kentucky
56°F
District of Columbia
57°F
District of Columbia is 2.3% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Kentucky
189
District of Columbia
197
District of Columbia has 4.2% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Kentucky
48 in
District of Columbia
45 in
District of Columbia is 7.3% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Kentucky
55
District of Columbia
58
District of Columbia has 5.5% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Kentucky
1
District of Columbia
0
District of Columbia has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Kentucky
9 in
District of Columbia
11 in
District of Columbia is 22% more annual snowfall

Get the full Kentucky → District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia than Kentucky?

District of Columbia's overall price level is roughly 117.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 87.5 for Kentucky, 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?

Kentucky tops out at 3.5% income tax. District of Columbia tops out at 10.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in District of Columbia?

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

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