Cost Of Living in Kentucky 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Kentucky

Whether you're living in Kentucky or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

5,400 USD

per month

420 USD
54,000 USD

Single

3,800 USD

per month

1,300 USD
25,000 USD

Couple

6,300 USD

per month

2,100 USD
34,000 USD

Family

8,400 USD

per month

2,900 USD
46,000 USD

Student

2,700 USD

per month

1,100 USD
4,800 USD
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Kentucky is 3,800 USD. Expenses can range from 1,300 USD at the minimum level to 25,000 USD at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Kentucky is 6,300 USD. Expenditure can range from 2,100 USD to 34,000 USD per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Kentucky is 8,400 USD per month. Families spend anywhere from 2,900 USD to 46,000 USD.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Kentucky is 2,700 USD. Students spend from 1,100 USD to 4,800 USD per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Kentucky


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.70 USD 0.79 USD 0.91 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Fast food combo meal
5.9 USD 12 USD 20 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Restaurant meal for one
20 USD 30 USD 59 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Fine dining meal for one
40 USD 59 USD 240 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Soda or Soft Drink
0.84 USD 0.99 USD 1.2 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Cappuccino or latte
4.9 USD 7.9 USD 12 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
3.9 USD 4.7 USD 5.9 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Loaf of bread
0.71 USD 0.81 USD 0.94 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
12 eggs
3 USD 3.9 USD 5.9 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Fresh whole chicken
6.7 USD 8.7 USD 12 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
7.9 USD 12 USD 24 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
3.2 USD 4.3 USD 6.2 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
1.2 USD 1.6 USD 3 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
2.1 USD 2.8 USD 4.5 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
5 USD 5.9 USD 12 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Average car full tank
30 USD 39 USD 79 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Average car 1-day rental
30 USD 40 USD 60 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Average car price
15,000 USD 30,000 USD 39,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Bus ticket one way
1.00 USD 1.5 USD 3 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Car Service
40 USD 60 USD 120 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
75 USD 230 USD 1,500 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Utility Bill - Couple
100 USD 310 USD 1,700 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Utility Bill - Family
88 USD 250 USD 1,400 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Internet and cable
30 USD 59 USD 79 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Mobile phone charges
24 USD 39 USD 120 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
15 USD 20 USD 30 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
One month gym membership
48 USD 60 USD 120 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
35 USD 50 USD 75 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Woman dress
33 USD 46 USD 150 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Woman shoes
31 USD 43 USD 100 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Men's shoes
27 USD 33 USD 66 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Men suit
30 USD 37 USD 200 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Regular t-shirt
15 USD 20 USD 60 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
500 USD 750 USD 2,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
1-bedroom apartment
750 USD 1,200 USD 3,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
2-bedroom apartment
1,000 USD 1,500 USD 4,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
100,000 USD 150,000 USD 300,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
1-bedroom apartment
120,000 USD 200,000 USD 750,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
2-bedroom apartment
200,000 USD 600,000 USD 1.2M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
590 USD 740 USD 990 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Double Bed
390 USD 590 USD 740 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Single Bed
350 USD 450 USD 590 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Living Room
660 USD 840 USD 3,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Dining Table
300 USD 390 USD 740 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Sofa or Couch
390 USD 540 USD 1,200 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
390 USD 590 USD 1,200 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Fridge or Freezer
350 USD 540 USD 740 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Washing Machine
450 USD 660 USD 1,200 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Stove or Cooker
420 USD 540 USD 740 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Mobile Phone
490 USD 590 USD 840 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Laptop or Computer
540 USD 660 USD 1,200 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Kentucky

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

80%

71% to 90%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%11%
60% - 70%18%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%16%
90% - 100%9%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Kentucky is 80% This means that on average, people spend around 80% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 18% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
72%
Spending-Income-Ratio
64%
81%

Couple
76%
Spending-Income-Ratio
67%
85%

Family
84%
Spending-Income-Ratio
74%
94%

How do people spend their money in Kentucky?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure27%

27% of total expenses on average (16% to 35%)

LOW130 USD
AVERAGE1,600 USD
HIGH16,000 USD
Per Month

People living in Kentucky typically spend from 16% to 35% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,600 USD with expenditure ranging from 130 USD to 16,000 USD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW21 USD
AVERAGE270 USD
HIGH2,700 USD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Kentucky ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 270 USD with 21 USD and 2,700 USD being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW42 USD
AVERAGE540 USD
HIGH5,400 USD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 42 USD to 5,400 USD on commuting with 540 USD being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW100 USD
AVERAGE1,400 USD
HIGH14,000 USD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Kentucky is 1,400 USD. The cost of groceries can range between 100 USD to 14,000 USD. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW29 USD
AVERAGE380 USD
HIGH3,800 USD
Per Month

People in Kentucky allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 29 USD to 3,800 USD with 380 USD being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW17 USD
AVERAGE220 USD
HIGH2,200 USD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 17 USD to 2,200 USD with 220 USD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW25 USD
AVERAGE330 USD
HIGH3,300 USD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 330 USD per month with 25 USD being the minimum spent amount and 3,300 USD being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW54 USD
AVERAGE710 USD
HIGH7,100 USD
Per Month

How much money can you save in Kentucky every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Kentucky manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
71%
Not Saving
29%

Almost 71% of the surveyed people in Kentucky said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 29% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Kentucky

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles75%25%
Couples70%30%
Families65%35%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

14% 24% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

180 USD 2,300 USD 23,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 14% to 34% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 24% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 2,300 USD on average with savings ranging from 180 USD to 23,000 USD.

75% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 70% of couples said the same. 65% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Kentucky?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

17% 28% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

530 USD 1,600 USD 11,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%29%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%16%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 17% to 36% of their monthly income to savings, with 28% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 1,600 USD with 530 USD and 11,000 USD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 26% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

890 USD 2,700 USD 14,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 15% to 35% of their monthly income, with 26% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 2,700 USD with 890 USD and 14,000 USD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 22% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,200 USD 3,600 USD 20,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Kentucky can save anywhere between 13% to 32% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 3,600 USD with 1,200 USD and 20,000 USD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Kentucky

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Kentucky?


Yes
82%
No
18%

Around 82% of surveyed residents think that living in Kentucky is affordable with proper budgeting while 18% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Kentucky

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options63%

Few low-cost options37%


Based on the survey, 63% of the people living in Kentucky have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 37% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Kentucky whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes80%

No20%


Based on the survey, 20% of the people living in Kentucky said that they don't have an emergency fund while 80% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in United States

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy77%


We asked residents of United States whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 23% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 77% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of United States have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 19% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 81% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance19%

Easily manages finances81%

Financial goals of people in Kentucky

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Kentucky, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction33%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle11%
Healthcare Expenses9%
Financial Independence8%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 33% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 11% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 9% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Kentucky

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Kentucky. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans18%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later17%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 18% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 17% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Kentucky

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings16%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Kentucky

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Kentucky and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in United States is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Kentucky:
AgeAmount
2516,000 USD
3031,000 USD
3554,000 USD
4078,000 USD
45120,000 USD
50160,000 USD
55190,000 USD
60240,000 USD
65290,000 USD

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Kentucky about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job10%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Kentucky

900 USD 2,700 USD 18,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Kentucky


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
24%
Debt Free
76%

According to the survey, 24% of the people in Kentucky have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 76% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Kentucky

Debt to income ratio

25%

15% to 35%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 25% of the people's monthly income in Kentucky goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%12%
40% - 50%11%
30% - 40%13%
20% - 30%15%
10% - 20%18%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Kentucky pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 12% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 15% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Kentucky

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage13%
Auto Loan22%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card25%
Personal Loan37%

13% of debtors in Kentucky confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 25% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 22% of people and personal loans rose at 37%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Kentucky.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Kentucky

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Kentucky how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never55%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Kentucky

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Kentucky

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
500 USD 750 USD 2,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
1-bedroom apartment
750 USD 1,200 USD 3,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
2-bedroom apartment
1,000 USD 1,500 USD 4,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
3-bedroom apartment
1,200 USD 2,000 USD 5,400 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Furnished apartment
2,400 USD 6,000 USD 12,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Townhouse
2,000 USD 3,000 USD 8,500 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
House
2,400 USD 6,000 USD 12,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Villa
3,000 USD 7,500 USD 12,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Kentucky ranges between 500 USD and 2,000 USD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 750 USD to 3,000 USD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,000 USD and 4,000 USD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,200 USD to 5,400 USD. The average rent of a townhouse in Kentucky is around 3,000 USD while house rental costs can be as high as 6,000 USD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,000 USD to 12,000 USD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Kentucky

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
100,000 USD 150,000 USD 300,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
1-bedroom apartment
120,000 USD 200,000 USD 750,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
2-bedroom apartment
200,000 USD 600,000 USD 1.2M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
3-bedroom apartment
660,000 USD 1,000,000 USD 3M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Townhouse
850,000 USD 2M USD 7.5M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
House
1,000,000 USD 6M USD 8.5M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Villa
1.2M USD 6.6M USD 10M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average price of a studio apartment in Kentucky can range from 100,000 USD to 300,000 USD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 120,000 USD to 750,000 USD. A villa can cost you 6.6M USD on average with prices ranging from 1.2M USD to 10M USD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Kentucky will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


49 x145 monthly income 227
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Kentucky can be x145 to x227 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x145 multiples of the average monthly salary in Kentucky.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


25% 35% of income 45%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Kentucky is around 35%. This means that people pay 35% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 25% to 45% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
32%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.5%
AVERAGE
3.4%
TO
4.4%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


8.4 USD 110 USD 1,100 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Kentucky

Housing33%

33% of total expenses on average (21% to 45%)

LOW450 USD
AVERAGE1,400 USD
HIGH9,000 USD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW75 USD
AVERAGE230 USD
HIGH1,500 USD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW100 USD
AVERAGE300 USD
HIGH2,000 USD
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW200 USD
AVERAGE600 USD
HIGH4,000 USD
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW110 USD
AVERAGE340 USD
HIGH2,300 USD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW63 USD
AVERAGE190 USD
HIGH1,300 USD
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW25 USD
AVERAGE75 USD
HIGH500 USD
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW230 USD
AVERAGE680 USD
HIGH4,500 USD
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Kentucky

Housing30%

30% of total expenses on average (23% to 40%)

LOW690 USD
AVERAGE2,100 USD
HIGH11,000 USD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW100 USD
AVERAGE310 USD
HIGH1,700 USD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW250 USD
AVERAGE750 USD
HIGH4,000 USD
Per Month

Food and Groceries16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW290 USD
AVERAGE880 USD
HIGH4,700 USD
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW230 USD
AVERAGE690 USD
HIGH3,700 USD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW130 USD
AVERAGE380 USD
HIGH2,000 USD
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW42 USD
AVERAGE130 USD
HIGH670 USD
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW360 USD
AVERAGE1,100 USD
HIGH5,700 USD
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Kentucky

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (24% to 39%)

LOW940 USD
AVERAGE2,700 USD
HIGH15,000 USD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW230 USD
AVERAGE670 USD
HIGH3,700 USD
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW530 USD
AVERAGE1,500 USD
HIGH8,300 USD
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW230 USD
AVERAGE670 USD
HIGH3,700 USD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW150 USD
AVERAGE420 USD
HIGH2,300 USD
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW410 USD
AVERAGE1,200 USD
HIGH6,500 USD
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW350 USD
AVERAGE1,000 USD
HIGH5,500 USD
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Kentucky

Housing21%

21% of total expenses on average (16% to 27%)

LOW260 USD
AVERAGE640 USD
HIGH1,200 USD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW43 USD
AVERAGE110 USD
HIGH190 USD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW75 USD
AVERAGE190 USD
HIGH340 USD
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW210 USD
AVERAGE540 USD
HIGH970 USD
Per Month

Healthcare8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW64 USD
AVERAGE160 USD
HIGH290 USD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW54 USD
AVERAGE130 USD
HIGH240 USD
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW200 USD
AVERAGE510 USD
HIGH920 USD
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW160 USD
AVERAGE400 USD
HIGH730 USD
Per Month
©copound