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Moving from Pennsylvania to Kentucky

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax. vs. Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix.

PA state flag
Living now

Pennsylvania

Capital: Harrisburg

Median household income $73,170 · winter low 22°F · 179 sunny days

Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

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
Pennsylvania
97.6
Kentucky
90.2
Kentucky has 7.6% lower overall price level
Housing index
Pennsylvania
85.1
Kentucky
64.3
Kentucky has 24% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.4
Kentucky
97.5
Kentucky has 1.9% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.6
Kentucky
98.5
Kentucky has 1.1% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
Kentucky
14.9 ¢/kWh
Kentucky has 29% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.5
Kentucky
98.0
Kentucky has 1.5% lower transportation
Median home value
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Kentucky
$226,000
Kentucky is 19% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
Kentucky
$852/mo
Kentucky is 20% 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
Pennsylvania
85°F
Kentucky
87°F
Kentucky is 2.4% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Pennsylvania
22°F
Kentucky
26°F
Kentucky is 18% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Pennsylvania
50°F
Kentucky
56°F
Kentucky is 13% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Pennsylvania
179
Kentucky
189
Kentucky has 5.6% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Pennsylvania
44 in
Kentucky
48 in
Kentucky is 11% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Pennsylvania
40
Kentucky
48
Kentucky has 20% higher AQI
Snow / year
Pennsylvania
43 in
Kentucky
9 in
Kentucky is 79% less annual snowfall

Get the full PennsylvaniaKentucky report

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

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky than Pennsylvania?

Kentucky's overall price level is roughly 87.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.8 for Pennsylvania — 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?

Pennsylvania tops out at 3.07% 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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