Kentucky vs Ohio: 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 $1,227 more per year in Ohio than in Kentucky ($60,312 vs $59,085, 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 3.5% (Kentucky) against 2.75% (Ohio). No bracket climbs, no surprises at higher pay: the distance stays close to $75 per $10,000 of salary all the way up the table, and $1,227 a year at $75,000. The federal share ($7,670 income tax, $5,738 FICA) cancels out of this comparison entirely.
| Salary | Kentucky net | Ohio net | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,723 | $41,762 | $1,040 |
| $75,000 | $59,085 | $60,312 | $1,227 |
| $100,000 | $75,798 | $77,212 | $1,415 |
| $150,000 | $108,659 | $110,449 | $1,790 |
| $250,000 | $174,550 | $177,090 | $2,540 |
| Kentucky | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax type | Flat | Flat |
| Top rate | 3.5% | 2.75% |
| State tax at $75,000 | $2,507 | $1,280 |
| Take-home rank | #22 of 51 | #11 of 51 |
Which state has better take-home pay, Kentucky or Ohio?
At $75,000, Ohio keeps $1,227 more per year than Kentucky ($60,312 vs $59,085, tax year 2026).
Why is take-home different when both states use flat taxes?
Because the single rates differ: 3.5% in Kentucky against 2.75% in Ohio. Applied to the same taxable wage at $75,000, that spread alone produces the $1,227 difference — federal tax and FICA are identical.
Does the gap between Kentucky and Ohio grow at higher salaries?
Linearly, yes — the rate spread is constant, so the gap adds roughly $75 per $10,000 of extra salary, with no sudden jumps at any bracket.
Which state ranks higher for take-home pay overall?
Kentucky ranks #22 of 51 and Ohio ranks #11 of 51 nationally for take-home pay at $75,000.
Kentucky paycheck calculator · Ohio paycheck calculator · All states ranked