Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or Texas?

Texas has lower total taxes on a $100,000 salary in 2026. A single filer in Texas takes home approximately $79,180 versus $75,798 in Kentucky — a difference of $3,382 per year.

How much more take-home pay does Texas give than Kentucky at $100,000?

At $100,000, Texas provides $3,382 more annual take-home than Kentucky for a single filer in 2026. Over 10 years (not adjusted for inflation), that is $33,824 difference.

Does Kentucky have state income tax?

Kentucky has a state income tax. On $100,000, a single filer pays approximately $3,382 in Kentucky state income tax in 2026.

Does Texas have state income tax?

Texas has no state income tax. There is zero state income tax on wages in Texas in 2026.

Which is better for remote workers, Kentucky or Texas?

For remote workers, the state with lower income tax generally provides more take-home pay. In 2026, Texas takes home $3,382 more per year on $100K. However, cost of living, employer nexus rules, and domicile requirements also apply. See our remote worker tax guide for full details.

2026 State Take-Home Comparison

Kentucky vs Texas Take-Home Pay (2026)

Reviewed by ExactTakeHome Editorial Team · 2026-06-10 · Sources: 3 official authorities

Moving from Kentucky to Texas: paycheck difference after taxes

On a $75,000 salary, moving from Kentucky to Texas means earning $2,507 more per year after taxes — about $96 more per biweekly paycheck. Federal income tax and FICA stay the same; the difference comes from state and local tax.

StateAnnual take-homePer paycheck (biweekly)

Kentucky$59,085$2,273

Texas$61,593$2,369

Difference+$2,507/yr+$96/paycheck

What changes: State income tax and local wage taxes. What stays the same: Federal income tax and FICA (Social Security + Medicare) are the same in every state for the same salary and filing status. Estimates based on $75,000 salary, single, biweekly. Use the calculator below for your numbers.

On a $100,000 salary, you take home $3,382 more per year in Texas than in Kentucky.

$100,000 Salary: Kentucky vs Texas

Tax / Component	Kentucky	Texas	Difference
Federal Income Tax	$13,170	$13,170	same
State Income Tax	$3,382	$0	+$3,382
Social Security	$6,200	$6,200	same
Medicare	$1,450	$1,450	same
Take-Home Pay	$75,798	$79,180	-$3,382

$100,000 — Rent affordability: Kentucky vs Texas

Metric	Kentucky	Texas
Net take-home / year	$75,798	$79,180
Net take-home / month	$6,316	$6,598
Median 1BR rent (HUD)	$700	$850
Rent as % of take-home	11.1% ✓	12.9% ✓

Rent: HUD Fair Market Rents FY2025 · Spending: BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023

$75,000 Salary: Kentucky vs Texas

Tax / Component	Kentucky	Texas	Difference
Federal Income Tax	$7,670	$7,670	same
State Income Tax	$2,507	$0	+$2,507
Social Security	$4,650	$4,650	same
Medicare	$1,088	$1,088	same
Take-Home Pay	$59,085	$61,593	-$2,507

Take-Home Pay Comparison: Kentucky vs Texas

For a single filer at $100,000, Texas puts $3,382.4 more per year in your pocket than Kentucky — $282 per month.

Annual Salary	Kentucky	Texas	Annual Difference
$50,000	$40,722.6	$42,355	$-1,632.4 (Kentucky)
$75,000	$59,085.1	$61,592.5	$-2,507.4 (Kentucky)
$100,000	$75,797.6	$79,180	$-3,382.4 (Kentucky)
$125,000	$92,446.1	$96,703.5	$-4,257.4 (Kentucky)
$150,000	$108,658.6	$113,791	$-5,132.4 (Kentucky)

After subtracting median 1-bedroom rent, Texas residents keep $62,980 per year vs $64,397.6 in Kentucky. See full cost-adjusted ranking →

Calculate your exact Kentucky vs Texas take-home →

Calculation assumptions

Standard withholding per IRS Publication 15-T (2026)
Social Security wage base: $184,500 (SSA 2026)
No pre-tax deductions, no post-tax deductions
Filing status: Single, one job
Standard W-4 withholding (no additional withholding elections)
Actual paycheck may differ based on employer setup, benefits, or W-4 elections

View sources and full methodology →