Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Maryland to Kentucky

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay. vs. Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix.

MD state flag
Living now

Maryland

Capital: Annapolis

Median household income $98,461 · winter low 25°F · 198 sunny days

DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay.

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
Maryland
105.0
Kentucky
90.2
Kentucky has 14% lower overall price level
Housing index
Maryland
121.1
Kentucky
64.3
Kentucky has 47% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maryland
101.2
Kentucky
97.5
Kentucky has 3.7% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maryland
100.7
Kentucky
98.5
Kentucky has 2.2% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Maryland
35.9 ¢/kWh
Kentucky
14.9 ¢/kWh
Kentucky has 58% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maryland
101.0
Kentucky
98.0
Kentucky has 2.9% lower transportation
Median home value
Maryland
$436,300
Kentucky
$226,000
Kentucky is 48% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maryland
$1,470/mo
Kentucky
$852/mo
Kentucky is 42% 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
Maryland
87°F
Kentucky
87°F
Avg winter low
Maryland
25°F
Kentucky
26°F
Kentucky is 4.0% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maryland
55°F
Kentucky
56°F
Kentucky is 1.6% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maryland
198
Kentucky
189
Kentucky has 4.5% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maryland
44 in
Kentucky
48 in
Kentucky is 9.3% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Maryland
43
Kentucky
48
Kentucky has 12% higher AQI
Snow / year
Maryland
28 in
Kentucky
9 in
Kentucky is 68% less annual snowfall

Get the full MarylandKentucky 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 Maryland?

Kentucky's overall price level is roughly 87.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.1 for Maryland — 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?

Maryland tops out at 6.5% 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