Kentucky vs Pennsylvania: 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 $205 more per year in Pennsylvania than in Kentucky ($59,290 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 3.07% (Pennsylvania). No bracket climbs, no surprises at higher pay: the distance stays close to $43 per $10,000 of salary all the way up the table, and $205 a year at $75,000. The federal share ($7,670 income tax, $5,738 FICA) cancels out of this comparison entirely.
| Salary | Kentucky net | Pennsylvania net | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,723 | $40,820 | $97 |
| $75,000 | $59,085 | $59,290 | $205 |
| $100,000 | $75,798 | $76,110 | $312 |
| $150,000 | $108,659 | $109,186 | $527 |
| $250,000 | $174,550 | $175,507 | $957 |
| Kentucky | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax type | Flat | Flat |
| Top rate | 3.5% | 3.07% |
| State tax at $75,000 | $2,507 | $2,303 |
| Take-home rank | #22 of 51 | #18 of 51 |
Which state has better take-home pay, Kentucky or Pennsylvania?
At $75,000, Pennsylvania keeps $205 more per year than Kentucky ($59,290 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 3.07% in Pennsylvania. Applied to the same taxable wage at $75,000, that spread alone produces the $205 difference — federal tax and FICA are identical.
Does the gap between Kentucky and Pennsylvania grow at higher salaries?
Linearly, yes — the rate spread is constant, so the gap adds roughly $43 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 Pennsylvania ranks #18 of 51 nationally for take-home pay at $75,000.
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