Cost of Living in Kentucky Cities: These Are the Top 5

Updated On May 19, 2023
Kentucky bridge

Kentucky, known as the Bluegrass State, is a southeastern state in the U.S.

This state is famous for making the best bourbon and Kentucky fried chicken.

In particular, 95% of bourbon comes from the great state of Kentucky.

Also, did you know that Kentucky is the unofficial horse capital of the world, and every year, on the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville?

Besides, Kentucky enjoys a temperate climate and generally plentiful rainfall.

There are fascinating things to do in this state, and the most relevant question is – What is the cost of living in Kentucky?

Plus, which cities are the most expensive for living in this state?

So, let’s find out.

The Cost of Living in Kentucky

Surprisingly, Kentucky is one of the most affordable states in the U.S.

This state is an exceptional place to live if you’re looking for affordable home prices, a low cost of living, delicious bourbon, top national and state parks, and southern friendship.

Kentucky is also known for clean air, lower pollution, less congestion, and strong educational opportunities.

To start with the most vital cost that affects our budget – housing.

The typical home is worth $135,300, or $69,600 less than the national average home value of $204,900.

Monthly prices for rent are about $758 to $1,087, depending on the apartment’s location.

So, as we said, living in Kentucky is less expensive than it is on average across the U.S. as a whole.

But, here is a detailed look at food costs, transportation costs, and the most dominant cost nowadays – healthcare.

Food Costs

We have to mention that Kentucky seems to be a modern state with many healthy, vegan, and diet-friendly restaurants.

People are friendly and want to serve you in the best possible way.

For instance, а regular lunch menu (including a drink) in the business district for one person costs around $12.

If you are a fast-food lover, a combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) will cost you less than $7.

These prices are very economical, compared to prices in other states in the U.S.

Moreover, there are Mexican, Italian, and Greek restaurants where a dinner for two, including dessert, is only $80.

As for food prices, in Kentucky, you can find everything you have in mind and what is most important, at a very low-cost price.

There are plenty of big supermarkets, small local markets, bazaars, etc.

Transportation Costs

One of the biggest cons of living in Kentucky is the plenty of variations of the public transportation system.

And the prices for transport tickets are so reasonable.

For example, a one-day pass costs less than $2.00 for a basic bus service.

A monthly ticket for public transport per one person is $47.

Healthcare Costs

Although all other living expenses are totally cheap in this country, there is healthcare cost.

In Kentucky, these services are not so pricey affordable for everyone.

But again, this can vary widely depending on where you live, as well as your health situation.

A short visit to a private doctor (about 15 minutes)will cost you more than $110.

The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State

Frankfort

Frankfort is the capital city of Kentucky.

It is a home rule-class city.

The average cost of living in Frankfort is $1700, which is in the top 22% of the most expensive cities in the world.

Additionally, a dinner for two in a restaurant is $26 up, while lunch for one person is near $15, which is not a reasonable price compared to other cities in this state.

Also, as a capital city, the transportation cost is a little bit higher.

For example, a one-way transport ticket is more than $3.

On the other side, prices for food in supermarkets are not so unusual.

You can find everything fresh and at a regular price.

Also, a gum membership per one month is not so expensive, and it costs nearly $20.

A cinema ticket for one person is $6.

Bowling Green

Bowling Green is a city in southern Kentucky.

The most impressive about this city is that Bowling Green currently has and manages 24 parks (including Covington, Lampkin, Kereiakes, and Fountain Square Park).

The average cost of living in Bowling Green is $1388, which is in the top 34% of the most expensive cities in the world.

While the costs for transportation are a little bit low, compared to prices in Frankfort, the prices in restaurants are enormously precious.

In other words, a dinner for two in a restaurant is more than $40, while lunch for one person is nearly $19.

But who can stand not to go to restaurants in this city?

They have delicious food and friendly staff.

On the other side, rent prices are not so enormous.

For example, it goes from $600 to $660 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Owensboro

This city is full of charm, history, and Southern lifestyle.

Owensboro is the fourth-largest city in the state by population.

The average cost of living in Owensboro is $1566, which is in the top 28% of the most expensive cities in the world.

Moreover, a dinner for two in a restaurant is more than $50, while a lunch menu for one person is the same as in Bowling Green.

A monthly pass for local transport is above $60, which is such an expensive cost.

A gum membership per one month costs around $22, while a one cinema ticket is $14.

Covington

The average home price in Covington is $270,000, while the average rent per month is from $900 to $1100.

Moreover, this city has grocery prices that are 3% higher than the national average.

For instance, a loaf of bread in a supermarket is $3.50, a gallon of milk is above $2.00, and a carton of eggs is $2.50.

Georgetown

In Georgetown, the average cost of living is $1600, which makes this city in the top $30 of the most expensive cities in the world.

The lunch menu for one person in a restaurant is above $20, while dinner for two people is more than $60.

And, we have to take a look at some of the healthcare costs in Georgetown.

The average price of a doctor’s appointment is $119, while the average price of a dental appointment is $100.

The average price of prescription medication is $420.

If you have a pet, you need to know that the average price of a veterinary appointment is $52.

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