Cost of Living in Kentucky
Kentucky has 16 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Henderson (cost index 96.5) to Georgetown (98.8), with a statewide average around 97.6 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Henderson at $788/mo and highest in Jeffersontown at $1,253/mo.
Kentucky at a Glance
Cities Tracked
16
with census data
Avg Cost Index
97.6
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$998
per month
Avg Household Income
$61,805
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Henderson | 96.5 | $788 |
| Richmond | 97.6 | $860 |
| Georgetown | 98.8 | $1,199 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Georgetown | 98.8 | $1,199 |
| Richmond | 97.6 | $860 |
| Henderson | 96.5 | $788 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Kentucky
State Income Tax
4.00%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
6.00%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in Kentucky
Kentucky Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Louisville/Jefferson County | 627,210 | — | $1,069 | $221,500 | $64,731 |
| Lexington-Fayette | 321,122 | — | $1,101 | $272,100 | $67,631 |
| Bowling Green | 73,638 | — | $948 | $232,100 | $48,419 |
| Owensboro | 60,112 | — | $900 | $162,900 | $53,295 |
| Covington | 40,902 | — | $949 | $167,900 | $58,814 |
| Georgetown | 38,206 | 98.8 | $1,199 | $244,200 | $78,373 |
| Richmond | 35,498 | 97.6 | $860 | $205,900 | $48,223 |
| Florence | 32,334 | — | $1,199 | $196,200 | $68,508 |
| Elizabethtown | 31,870 | — | $876 | $223,200 | $56,250 |
| Nicholasville | 31,625 | — | $996 | $210,700 | $67,514 |
| Hopkinsville | 31,011 | — | $869 | $140,200 | $47,428 |
| Independence | 29,024 | — | $1,204 | $240,500 | $98,653 |
| Jeffersontown | 28,988 | — | $1,253 | $236,800 | $78,185 |
| Frankfort | 28,452 | — | $935 | $171,600 | $54,438 |
| Henderson | 27,994 | 96.5 | $788 | $151,400 | $47,176 |
| Paducah | 26,894 | — | $817 | $164,600 | $51,243 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Kentucky cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Kentucky cities stack up across the US. For example, Louisville/Jefferson County vs Lexington-Fayette.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Kentucky
What is the cost of living in Kentucky?
The average cost of living index across cities in Kentucky is approximately 97.6 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $998/month and median household income averages around $61,805/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Kentucky?
The most affordable cities in Kentucky by cost of living index are: 1. Henderson (index 96.5), 2. Richmond (index 97.6), 3. Georgetown (index 98.8).
What is the median rent in Kentucky?
The average median gross rent across cities in Kentucky is approximately $998/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Kentucky?
Kentucky's top marginal state income tax rate is 4.00%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Kentucky?
Kentucky's statewide sales tax rate is 6.00%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Kentucky?
Kentucky has a cost of living index of approximately 97.6 and average median rent around $998/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology