A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
29%
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 Glasgow Kentucky National
Cost of living8888100
Groceries9798100
Health care9897100
Housing7170100
Transportation9396100
Utilities9295100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9295100
Household Items9897100
Education & Childcare9894100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Glasgow, KY

Knowing the cost of living in Glasgow allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Glasgow stands at 88, marking it 12% lower than the national average.

Is Glasgow Affordable?

Is Glasgow affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Glasgow, the median home price is 32.7% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 21.7% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Glasgow boasting a median household income of $56,407, 30.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Glasgow?

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.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Glasgow, the groceries index is 2.7% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Glasgow, healthcare costs are 1.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Glasgow cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Glasgow is equal to the Kentucky average
  • The cost of living in Glasgow is 12% lower than the national average
  • Glasgow housing is 29% 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 Glasgow

See all the best places to live around Glasgow

Compare Glasgow, 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$76,791$6,399$1,792$2,304
      Renters$38,901$3,242$908$1,167
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Glasgow, KY, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Glasgow homeowners, is $76,791. This would allow for a maximum of $1,792 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $38,901 which would result in a maximum of $908 to be spent on rental costs.

      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.
      Hiseville, KY1828020.3%
      Horse Cave, KY2,4708020.1%
      Summer Shade, KY2418019.8%
      Cave City, KY2,6268118.8%
      Park City, KY6698416.1%
      Glasgow, KY14,9558811.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cowansville, QC14,980n/a 
      Summerfield, MD14,92912322.6%
      Colesville, MD14,92814545.1%
      Roanoke Rapids, NC14,9268712.8%
      North Auburn, CA14,91913737.1%
      Glasgow, KY14,9558811.9%
      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.