Cost of Living in Columbus, KY

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21%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
63%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Columbus Kentucky National
Cost of living7988100
Groceries9798100
Health care9697100
Housing3770100
Transportation9996100
Utilities9895100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9595100
Household Items9997100
Education & Childcare9694100
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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Columbus is 10% lower than the Kentucky average
  • The cost of living in Columbus is 21% lower than the national average
  • Columbus housing is 63% lower than the national average
  • Kentucky general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Kentucky state income tax is 73% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Columbus

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Compare Columbus, KY Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      Cost of living index
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      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$56,657$4,721$1,322$1,700
      Renters$61,900$5,158$1,444$1,857

      Kentucky Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Kentucky 6% 6%

      Kentucky Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Kentucky 4.5% 4.5%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cayce, KY146973.0%
      Pinhook, MO0973.0%
      Lovelaceville, KY0973.0%
      Blandville, KY90973.0%
      Wilson City, MO247624.0%
      Columbus, KY2457921.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bakerhill, AL2458217.9%
      Ardentown, DE24511717.5%
      Blencoe, IA2458119.2%
      North Henderson, IL2458217.7%
      Latham, KS2458217.5%
      Columbus, KY2457921.0%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
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