Kentucky vs Virginia Taxes: Take-Home Pay Compared (2026)
On a $75,000 salary, a single filer keeps $1,045 more a year in Kentucky than in Virginia ($87 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 ›Virginia
2% - 5.75% state income tax
$58,040
take-home on $75,000 · $4,837/month
43rd of 51 states for take-home pay
Virginia paycheck calculator ›Take-home pay in Kentucky and Virginia by salary
| Salary | Kentucky | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $33,038 | $32,781 | $257 more in Kentucky |
| $50,000 | $40,723 | $40,241 | $482 more in Kentucky |
| $60,000 | $48,408 | $47,701 | $707 more in Kentucky |
| $75,000 | $59,085 | $58,040 | $1,045 more in Kentucky |
| $100,000 | $75,798 | $74,191 | $1,607 more in Kentucky |
| $125,000 | $92,446 | $90,276 | $2,170 more in Kentucky |
| $150,000 | $108,659 | $105,927 | $2,732 more in Kentucky |
| $200,000 | $142,045 | $138,188 | $3,857 more in Kentucky |
Single filer, standard deduction, no local tax. To match $75,000 in Kentucky you would need about $76,600 in Virginia; to match $75,000 in Virginia you would need about $73,450 in Kentucky.
How Kentucky and Virginia tax wages
| 2026 | Kentucky | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax | a flat 3.5% income tax | 4 brackets from 2% to 5.75% |
| Top rate | 3.5% | 5.75% |
| Standard deduction | $3,360 single | $8,750 single |
| State tax on $75k | $2,507 (3.3%) | $3,552 (4.7%) |
| Local wage taxes | Yes (15 modeled) | No |
| Reciprocity | Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin | District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia |
| 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 Virginia: FAQ
Does Kentucky or Virginia have lower income taxes in 2026?
On a $75,000 salary, a single filer keeps $1,045 more a year in Kentucky than in Virginia ($87 a month). Kentucky has a flat 3.5% income tax for 2026. Virginia has 4 brackets from 2% to 5.75% for 2026. For single filers the top 5.75% rate starts at $17,000 of taxable income.
What salary in Virginia equals $75,000 in Kentucky?
To take home the same $59,085 that $75,000 leaves in Kentucky, you would need about $76,600 in Virginia, based on income, payroll, and state taxes only. Housing and other living costs are not included.
How much more do high earners keep in Kentucky than in Virginia?
At $150,000 the gap is $2,732 a year: $108,659 in Kentucky versus $105,927 in Virginia. Progressive brackets make the difference grow faster as income rises.
Do Kentucky and Virginia have a reciprocity agreement?
Yes. If you live in one of these states and work in the other, you can usually file a nonresident exemption form with your employer so only your home state withholds income tax.
Do local taxes change the Kentucky vs Virginia 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.