Kentucky cost of living
Considering a move to Kentucky? The Bluegrass State offers a unique blend of affordability and Southern charm. But before you pack your bags, it's crucial to understand the cost of housing, food, transportation, health care and utilities to get a comprehensive view of your potential expenses.
The median rent in Kentucky is $1,366.74, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Kentucky spend $254.57 weekly on food at home and $96.16 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.28 in Kentucky.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Kentucky pay $1,513 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Kentucky
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Kentucky is $1,366.74, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Kentucky broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Kentucky had a median cost of $751 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $893 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,022 and $1,219, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Kentucky is $256,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
The median home price in the Owensboro metro was $210,200 in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors. Meanwhile, the Lexington metro had a median sales price of $267,000, and the Louisville metro had a median price of $262,000.
Kentucky ranks No. 31 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 0.83%.
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Food costs in Kentucky
According to recent census data, the average spent weekly on food to prepare at home in Kentucky is $254.57, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21. Kentucky residents spend an average of $96.16 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Kentucky
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Kentucky is $3.28, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Kentucky is $1,040.38, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
Public transportation operates in all 120 Kentucky counties as of publishing. According to a 2024 study by ConsumerAffairs, the fare per public transit trip in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2022 was $1.29.
Health care costs in Kentucky
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Kentucky employees $1,513 annually, with employers covering the remaining $5,477 of the $6,990 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Kentucky
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Kentucky is $141.23, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Kentucky costs $11.68 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
How much does it cost to live in Louisville, Kentucky?
According to a 2024 ConsumerAffairs study on income required to live in various U.S. cities, a single adult would need a salary of $53,737.19, or an hourly rate of $25.84, to live comfortably in Louisville.
How much does it cost to live in Lexington, Kentucky?
To live comfortably in Lexington, you’d need a salary of $54,795.69, or an hourly rate of $26.34, according to our 2024 study.
How much does it cost to move to a new state?
Moving across state lines can rack up a pretty large bill, especially if you’re moving a long distance and hiring movers. You could end up spending several thousand dollars. You can also move yourself, but this comes with a cost in terms of time and energy.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, "Housing Data." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
