A+
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
24%
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 Frankfort Kentucky National
Cost of living9088100
Groceries9998100
Health care9897100
Housing7670100
Transportation9496100
Utilities9495100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9595100
Household Items9897100
Education & Childcare9694100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Frankfort, KY

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Frankfort? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Frankfort stands at 90, making it 10% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Frankfort 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 Frankfort 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 Frankfort Affordable?

Is Frankfort 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 Frankfort is 25.9% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 19.7% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Frankfort has a median household income of $74,858, which is 8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Frankfort?

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Frankfort, the transportation index stands at 6.3% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Frankfort, healthcare costs are 2.5% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Frankfort, the groceries index is 0.9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Frankfort 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 Frankfort is 2% higher than the Kentucky average
  • The cost of living in Frankfort is 10% lower than the national average
  • Frankfort housing is 24% 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 Frankfort

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Compare Frankfort, 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$108,321$9,027$2,527$3,250
      Renters$55,361$4,613$1,292$1,661
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Frankfort is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Frankfort has a median income of about $108,321 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,527 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $55,361. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,292 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Pleasureville, KY1,4569010.1%
      Stamping Ground, KY1,014909.8%
      Lawrenceburg, KY11,704919.0%
      Versailles, KY9,568955.2%
      Midway, KY1,926973.4%
      Frankfort, KY28,807909.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Reisterstown, MD28,80411615.8%
      Courtenay, BC28,804n/a 
      Newburgh, NY28,8111065.5%
      Burlington, MA28,82016565.4%
      Winchester, VA28,82511111.3%
      Frankfort, KY28,807909.7%
      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.