Cost of Living in Kentucky
Housing costs, rent, income, and affordability for 550 cities in KY. Updated 2026.
Understanding the cost of living in Kentucky is essential whether you're planning a move, comparing job offers, or evaluating real estate investments. This page breaks down housing costs, rent prices, and median household income for every city in Kentucky, with comparisons to national averages.
Kentucky's average home value of $164,586 is 33% below the national median of $244,900. The average median household income is $59,887, and average monthly rent is $655.
Most Affordable Cities in Kentucky
Cities with population 5,000+ ranked by lowest median home value.
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Campbell North | $0 | $1,478/mo | $58,403 | 11,483 |
| 2 | Fort Knox | $0 | $1,234/mo | $74,224 | 8,715 |
| 3 | Middlesborough | $88,700 | $670/mo | $34,349 | 9,258 |
| 4 | Princeton | $89,700 | $719/mo | $51,875 | 6,242 |
| 5 | Williamsburg | $108,800 | $685/mo | $32,431 | 5,226 |
| 6 | Flatwoods | $112,200 | $923/mo | $60,467 | 7,281 |
| 7 | Mayfield | $114,400 | $598/mo | $41,458 | 9,905 |
| 8 | Ashland | $125,300 | $859/mo | $52,199 | 21,405 |
| 9 | Monticello | $125,800 | $679/mo | $37,733 | 5,741 |
| 10 | Lebanon | $130,100 | $702/mo | $39,483 | 6,364 |
| 11 | Shively | $139,200 | $847/mo | $46,522 | 15,556 |
| 12 | Hopkinsville | $140,200 | $869/mo | $47,428 | 31,011 |
| 13 | Central City | $140,700 | $755/mo | $49,025 | 5,736 |
| 14 | Somerset | $140,900 | $830/mo | $32,910 | 12,108 |
| 15 | Oak Grove | $143,500 | $1,208/mo | $47,886 | 7,945 |
Most Expensive Cities in Kentucky
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Union | $382,900 | $1,721/mo | $139,013 | 7,494 |
| 2 | Francisville | $374,100 | $1,246/mo | $146,280 | 10,313 |
| 3 | Fort Mitchell | $354,700 | $987/mo | $80,814 | 8,676 |
| 4 | Villa Hills | $339,800 | $1,144/mo | $108,750 | 7,378 |
| 5 | Douglass Hills | $331,500 | $1,164/mo | $92,826 | 5,437 |
| 6 | St. Matthews | $325,700 | $1,253/mo | $80,716 | 17,491 |
| 7 | Crestwood | $315,100 | $1,100/mo | $101,086 | 6,275 |
| 8 | Fort Wright | $305,500 | $1,094/mo | $100,647 | 5,882 |
| 9 | Fort Thomas | $301,400 | $1,095/mo | $100,819 | 17,242 |
| 10 | Pikeville | $301,300 | $840/mo | $39,216 | 7,560 |
Highest Income Cities in Kentucky
| # | City | Median Income | Home Value | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Francisville | $146,280 | $374,100 | 10,313 |
| 2 | Union | $139,013 | $382,900 | 7,494 |
| 3 | Edgewood | $121,045 | $289,700 | 8,429 |
| 4 | Villa Hills | $108,750 | $339,800 | 7,378 |
| 5 | Alexandria | $103,750 | $253,400 | 10,430 |
| 6 | Hebron | $101,980 | $216,400 | 6,637 |
| 7 | Burlington | $101,550 | $229,700 | 18,090 |
| 8 | Crestwood | $101,086 | $315,100 | 6,275 |
| 9 | Fort Thomas | $100,819 | $301,400 | 17,242 |
| 10 | Fort Wright | $100,647 | $305,500 | 5,882 |
Cost of Living FAQ — Kentucky
What is the average cost of living in Kentucky?
The average median home value across Kentucky cities is $164,586, with average rent of $655/month. The average median household income is $59,887.
What are the cheapest cities in Kentucky?
The most affordable cities in Kentucky by home value include Fort Campbell North ($0), Fort Knox ($0), Middlesborough ($88,700).
What is the most expensive city in Kentucky?
The most expensive city in Kentucky is Union with a median home value of $382,900.
How does Kentucky compare to the national average?
Kentucky's average home value of $164,586 is below the national median of $244,900. Median rent of $655/month is below the US average of $1,163.