Kentucky vs Tennessee Taxes: Take-Home Pay Compared (2026)
On a $75,000 salary, a single filer keeps $2,507 more a year in Tennessee than in Kentucky ($209 a month).
Kentucky
3.5% flat state income tax
$59,085
take-home on $75,000 · $4,924/month
19th of 51 states for take-home pay
Kentucky paycheck calculator ›Tennessee
No state income tax on wages
$61,592
take-home on $75,000 · $5,133/month
1st of 51 states for take-home pay
Tennessee paycheck calculator ›Take-home pay in Kentucky and Tennessee by salary
| Salary | Kentucky | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $33,038 | $34,320 | $1,282 more in Tennessee |
| $50,000 | $40,723 | $42,355 | $1,632 more in Tennessee |
| $60,000 | $48,408 | $50,390 | $1,982 more in Tennessee |
| $75,000 | $59,085 | $61,592 | $2,507 more in Tennessee |
| $100,000 | $75,798 | $79,180 | $3,382 more in Tennessee |
| $125,000 | $92,446 | $96,703 | $4,257 more in Tennessee |
| $150,000 | $108,659 | $113,791 | $5,132 more in Tennessee |
| $200,000 | $142,045 | $148,927 | $6,882 more in Tennessee |
Single filer, standard deduction, no local tax. To match $75,000 in Kentucky you would need about $71,450 in Tennessee; to match $75,000 in Tennessee you would need about $78,750 in Kentucky.
How Kentucky and Tennessee tax wages
| 2026 | Kentucky | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax | a flat 3.5% income tax | no state income tax |
| Top rate | 3.5% | 0% |
| Standard deduction | $3,360 single | Not applicable |
| State tax on $75k | $2,507 (3.3%) | $0 (0.0%) |
| Local wage taxes | Yes (15 modeled) | No |
| Reciprocity | Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin | None |
| 2026 change | Kentucky cut its flat rate from 4.0% to 3.5% on January 1, 2026 after meeting its revenue triggers. | No rate change |
Kentucky vs Tennessee: FAQ
Does Kentucky or Tennessee have lower income taxes in 2026?
On a $75,000 salary, a single filer keeps $2,507 more a year in Tennessee than in Kentucky ($209 a month). Kentucky has a flat 3.5% income tax for 2026. Tennessee has no state income tax.
What salary in Tennessee equals $75,000 in Kentucky?
To take home the same $59,085 that $75,000 leaves in Kentucky, you would need about $71,450 in Tennessee, based on income, payroll, and state taxes only. Housing and other living costs are not included.
How much more do high earners keep in Tennessee than in Kentucky?
At $150,000 the gap is $5,132 a year: $108,659 in Kentucky versus $113,791 in Tennessee. With flat or no state tax, the gap grows roughly in line with salary.
Do local taxes change the Kentucky vs Tennessee comparison?
Kentucky has local wage taxes in places like Louisville (2.2% / 1.45%), Lexington (2.75% / 2.25%), Bowling Green (2%). Those are on top of the statewide figures above, so check the city calculators if you live or work in one of them.