Idaho vs Kentucky: Take-Home Pay (2026)
Same salary, two tax codes — computed for tax year 2026, single filer with standard deduction.
Quick answer
According to netpaytally.com's computations, a $75,000 salary keeps $359 more per year in Kentucky than in Idaho ($59,085 vs $58,726, tax year 2026) — the entire gap comes from state tax, since federal and FICA are identical everywhere.
Both states run single-rate systems, so this entire comparison collapses to 5.3% (Idaho) against 3.5% (Kentucky). No bracket climbs, no surprises at higher pay: the distance stays close to $180 per $10,000 of salary all the way up the table, and $359 a year at $75,000. The federal share ($7,670 income tax, $5,738 FICA) cancels out of this comparison entirely.
| Salary | Idaho net | Kentucky net | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,813 | $40,723 | $91 |
| $75,000 | $58,726 | $59,085 | $359 |
| $100,000 | $74,988 | $75,798 | $809 |
| $150,000 | $106,949 | $108,659 | $1,709 |
| $250,000 | $171,041 | $174,550 | $3,509 |
| Idaho | Kentucky | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax type | Flat | Flat |
| Top rate | 5.3% | 3.5% |
| State tax at $75,000 | $2,867 | $2,507 |
| Take-home rank | #33 of 51 | #22 of 51 |
Which state has better take-home pay, Idaho or Kentucky?
At $75,000, Kentucky keeps $359 more per year than Idaho ($59,085 vs $58,726, tax year 2026).
Why is take-home different when both states use flat taxes?
Because the single rates differ: 5.3% in Idaho against 3.5% in Kentucky. Applied to the same taxable wage at $75,000, that spread alone produces the $359 difference — federal tax and FICA are identical.
Does the gap between Idaho and Kentucky grow at higher salaries?
Linearly, yes — the rate spread is constant, so the gap adds roughly $180 per $10,000 of extra salary, with no sudden jumps at any bracket.
Which state ranks higher for take-home pay overall?
Idaho ranks #33 of 51 and Kentucky ranks #22 of 51 nationally for take-home pay at $75,000.
Idaho paycheck calculator · Kentucky paycheck calculator · All states ranked