Kentucky vs. Tennessee: Which State Is Better to Move To?

By Bob Sophiea

Founder and CEO of New Home Collective, established the company in 2014 with a mission to revolutionize the real estate industry.

Are you trying to figure out whether to move to Kentucky or Tennessee? On the surface, they can look pretty similar. Both have rolling hills, four seasons, country roads, and plenty of southern charm. But they are actually different from each other, and the right choice depends on your needs and lifestyle.

Let me walk you through some of those differences.

Income tax. This is often the first thing people think about when deciding where to live. Both states handle taxes differently, which can change how much you actually save or spend.

Tennessee has no state income tax, so you get to keep more of your paycheck. But Tennessee has one of the highest sales taxes in the country. That means every time you shop for groceries, furniture, or school supplies, you pay more.

Kentucky does have a state income tax. But sales tax is lower and easier to understand. This makes everyday shopping cheaper. Over time, especially for families or anyone setting up a home, Kentucky can cost less.

Housing affordability. Where you live and how much it costs to buy a home is a big deal. Housing prices and availability look very different in these two states. Housing prices are going up fast, especially in Nashville, Tennessee. It has become very expensive and harder for people to find affordable homes.

On the other hand, Kentucky homes are much more affordable. You can still find houses with land, space, and character without spending too much. Even in cities like Lexington, Richmond, or Georgetown, you are not priced out of the market.

Cost of living. The cost of gas and how much you drive every day also matter. This can affect your monthly budget if you have a long commute. In Tennessee, gas is usually a little cheaper. If you drive a lot for work, those savings can add up. In Kentucky, though, gas costs a little more, but the difference is small and usually not a big deal for most people.

Laws, politics, and lifestyle. Rules and laws can affect your daily life. Some people also care about whether a state feels more relaxed or strict in certain areas.

For example, Tennessee has not legalized medical marijuana, gun laws are friendly, with relaxed rules for adults, and abortion laws are strict. In Kentucky, they recently approved medical marijuana, though it is still new. Gun laws are also friendly, with relaxed rules for adults. Abortion laws are strict here, too.

As for politics, it may not matter to everyone, but for some, it is important to know the general leanings of the state.

The state of Tennessee votes strongly Republican in national elections and is considered a red state. The same goes for Kentucky, too. It’s a Republican-leaning state, but more mixed. Cities like Lexington and Louisville often vote differently from rural areas. Kentucky has also elected Democratic governors.

Pace of life. How a place feels day-to-day also makes a huge difference. The pace of life can feel fast and busy, or calm and quiet.

In Tennessee, cities like Nashville are busy, noisy, and crowded. Growth has brought more people, traffic, and higher prices. Living there can be both exciting and overwhelming. Compared to Kentucky, where life moves more slowly. Even bigger cities like Lexington feel easy to manage. Traffic is lighter, schools and parks are close by, and people are friendlier in everyday places like grocery stores.

Weather. The weather also shapes your daily life. Both states have four seasons, but the way they feel is not the same. In Tennessee, winters are milder. Snow is rare in many areas. Summers are hot and humid. In Kentucky, however, winters are colder, and you get more snow. Summers are a little less hot and humid. Fall feels crisp and cool, and spring comes a little later.

Deciding where to move is about more than just the numbers. Both states offer advantages, but one may suit your daily life better than the other. At the end of the day, the right choice is about how a place feels to live in every day that matters most.

If you’d like help finding the right place to move to, I’d love to continue the conversation. You can work with me or one of our experienced agents. Book a call today at callnhc.com, or email me directly at bob@nhcnow.com, and we’ll help you find a home that feels right, not just one that looks good on paper.