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 Nicholasville Kentucky National
Cost of living9388100
Groceries9998100
Health care9897100
Housing8370100
Transportation9896100
Utilities9595100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9895100
Household Items9597100
Education & Childcare9694100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Nicholasville, KY

Understanding the cost of living in Nicholasville 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 Nicholasville cost of living index is 93, which is 7% 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.

In Nicholasville, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Nicholasville will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Nicholasville Affordable?

Is Nicholasville an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Nicholasville, the median home price is 17.5% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 16.3% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Nicholasville come in at $81,952, which is 0.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Nicholasville?

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Nicholasville, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates kick off 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 Nicholasville, healthcare costs are 2.2% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Nicholasville are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

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

See all the best places to live around Nicholasville

Compare Nicholasville, 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$109,920$9,160$2,565$3,298
      Renters$57,813$4,818$1,349$1,735
      The affordability of the housing market in Nicholasville, KY as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Nicholasville homeowners, the median income is $109,920. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,565 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $57,813. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,349 for their rent related monthly 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.
      Burgin, KY8828712.5%
      High Bridge, KY1869010.5%
      Wilmore, KY6,581955.0%
      Versailles, KY9,568955.2%
      Lexington-Fayette, KY329,5321000.5%
      Nicholasville, KY31,738937.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Los Altos, CA31,735341240.6%
      Winter Park, FL31,76813939.0%
      Sahuarita, AZ31,69511212.4%
      Danville, IL31,6898416.2%
      Brooklyn Center, MN31,6821021.8%
      Nicholasville, KY31,738937.0%
      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.