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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
Maryland
102.5
Kentucky
96.0
Kentucky has 6.4% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maryland
100.7
Kentucky
98.5
Kentucky has 2.2% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Maryland
22.1 ¢/kWh
Kentucky
15 ¢/kWh
Kentucky has 32% 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
$1,721/mo
Kentucky
$998/mo
Kentucky is 42% 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
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
44
Kentucky
82
Kentucky has 86% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Maryland
0
Kentucky
1
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, and a 90-day move 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.

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