A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
9%
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 Elizabethtown Kentucky National
Cost of living9588100
Groceries9998100
Health care9797100
Housing9170100
Transportation9796100
Utilities9295100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9895100
Household Items9897100
Education & Childcare9694100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Elizabethtown, KY

Understanding the cost of living in Elizabethtown can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Elizabethtown cost of living index is 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Elizabethtown closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Elizabethtown can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Elizabethtown Affordable?

Is Elizabethtown an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Elizabethtown is 3.4% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 21.1% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Elizabethtown has a median household income of $69,219, which is 14.9% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Elizabethtown?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Elizabethtown, the utilities index is 7.9% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Elizabethtown, healthcare costs are 3.2% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Elizabethtown shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Elizabethtown is 8% higher than the Kentucky average
  • The cost of living in Elizabethtown is 5% lower than the national average
  • Elizabethtown housing is 9% 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 Elizabethtown

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Compare Elizabethtown, KY Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$113,682$9,474$2,652$3,411
      Renters$56,944$4,745$1,329$1,708
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Elizabethtown, KY, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Elizabethtown, the median monthly income is $113,682 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,652 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $56,944, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,329 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Hodgenville, KY3,3308514.8%
      Cecilia, KY5738712.5%
      Lebanon Junction, KY2,3678812.4%
      Radcliff, KY23,674909.5%
      Sonora, KY1,017937.1%
      Elizabethtown, KY31,333954.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Opelika, AL31,335927.6%
      Grimsby, ON31,320n/a 
      Lawrenceville, GA31,3161000.3%
      Gloucester, MA31,31513939.0%
      Eldersburg, MD31,30113433.5%
      Elizabethtown, KY31,333954.7%
      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.