Cost of Living in Kentucky
Overall index: 91.5 — ranked #39 of 51 (below average cost).
Where your money goes in Kentucky
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Kentucky
Estimated annual spending: $57,637($17,363 remaining)
What things cost in Kentucky
| Item | Kentucky | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $195,000 | $360,000 | $-165,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,047/mo | $1,400/mo | $-353 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.16/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.34 |
| Electric bill | $89/mo | $137/mo | $48 |
| Infant childcare | $8,756/yr | $13,500/yr | $4,744 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.94 | $4.95 | $0.01 |
| Monthly groceries | $409/mo | $410/mo | $1 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Kentucky vs national average
What a salary in Kentucky is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $45,750 | $-4,250 |
| $75,000 | $68,625 | $-6,375 |
| $100,000 | $91,500 | $-8,500 |
| $125,000 | $114,375 | $-10,625 |
| $150,000 | $137,250 | $-12,750 |
| $200,000 | $183,000 | $-17,000 |
Negative difference means your money goes further in Kentucky than the national average.
Compare Kentucky with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Kentucky?
Kentucky has an overall cost-of-living index of 91.5, making it below average cost (ranked #39 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $195,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,047/month.
Is Kentucky expensive to live in?
No, Kentucky is more affordable than most states with an overall index of 91.5 (average = 100). Housing is particularly affordable at 74.8% of the national average.
How much does housing cost in Kentucky?
The median home price in Kentucky is $195,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,047/month. Kentucky's housing index is 74.8 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 25.200000000000003% below the national average.
How much are groceries in Kentucky?
Kentucky's grocery index is 99.8 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $4.94 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $409, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Kentucky?
The average monthly electric bill in Kentucky is $89 based on the state's residential rate of 10.07¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Kentucky?
Center-based infant childcare in Kentucky averages $8,756/year ($730/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Kentucky?
A $75,000 salary in Kentucky has the same purchasing power as $81,967 at the national average cost of living. Your salary goes about as far as the national average. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Kentucky Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Kentucky taxes
- House Affordability in Kentucky — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Kentucky take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.