A+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
17%
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 Murray Kentucky National
Cost of living9388100
Groceries9998100
Health care9897100
Housing8370100
Transportation9696100
Utilities9795100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9795100
Household Items9697100
Education & Childcare9394100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Murray, KY

The cost of living in Murray affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Murray is 93, which is 7% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Murray are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Murray can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Murray Affordable?

Wondering if Murray is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Murray, for example, the median home price is 10.8% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 30.2% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Murray boasting a median household income of $48,279, which is 40.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Murray?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Murray, the utilities index stands at 2.6% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Murray, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6%, and the income tax rates commence at 4.5%.

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 Murray, healthcare costs are 2.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Murray cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Murray is 5% higher than the Kentucky average
  • The cost of living in Murray is 7% lower than the national average
  • Murray housing is 17% 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 Murray

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Compare Murray, KY Cost of Living

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      Utilities 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$89,494$7,458$2,088$2,685
      Renters$31,131$2,594$726$934
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Murray, 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 Murray homeowners, is $89,494. This would allow for a maximum of $2,088 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $31,131 which would result in a maximum of $726 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.
      Dexter, KY1337921.4%
      Farmington, KY1237920.9%
      Puryear, TN7128217.8%
      Hazel, KY3938416.2%
      Hardin, KY5208415.5%
      Murray, KY19,988937.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Matteson, IL19,9901022.2%
      Affton, MO19,993946.3%
      Johnstown, PA19,9807921.3%
      Evergreen Park, IL19,9791054.7%
      Montrose, CO19,97011110.6%
      Murray, KY19,988937.2%
      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.