A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
27%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Paris Kentucky National
Cost of living9190100
Goods & Services103102100
Groceries100100100
Health care9393100
Housing7370100
Transportation9696100
Utilities8888100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Paris, KY

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Paris is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Paris is 91, which is 9% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

In Paris, daily expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, 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 Paris will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Paris Affordable?

Is Paris 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 Paris is 26.6% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 27.6% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Paris has a median household income of $61,777, which is 24% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Paris?

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 Paris, the groceries index is 0.1% higher than the national average.

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 Paris, the transportation index stands at 3.7% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Paris, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6%, and income tax rates start at 4.5%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Paris, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Paris is 2% higher than the Kentucky average
  • The cost of living in Paris is 9% lower than the national average
  • Paris housing is 27% 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 Paris

See all the best places to live around Paris

Compare Paris, KY Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$89,283$7,440$2,083$2,679
      Renters$40,717$3,393$950$1,222
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Paris, 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 Paris homeowners, is $89,283. This would allow for a maximum of $2,083 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $40,717 which would result in a maximum of $950 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Paris National avg. Difference
      Haircut $28.71$27.624.0%
      Beauty Salon $59.93$51.1117.3%
      Toothpaste $4.24$4.093.6%
      Shampoo $1.38$1.5410.5%
      Movie $13.54$12.885.1%
      Yoga $24.42$19.6624.2%

      Groceries

      Item Paris National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $7.61$7.701.2%
      Fried Chicken $1.71$1.662.9%
      Milk $4.72$4.730.3%
      Potatoes $4.65$5.2611.5%
      Pizza $9.99$12.7621.7%
      Beer $10.16$10.553.7%

      Health Care

      Item Paris National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $128.97$140.067.9%
      Doctor $118.66$153.8222.9%
      Dentist $111.20$123.159.7%
      Ibuprofen $11.79$11.730.5%
      Lipitor $25.69$23.618.8%

      Housing

      Item Paris National avg. Difference
      Home Price $239,799.00$326,622.0026.6%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,840.98$2,480.2525.8%
      Apartment Rent $1,045.00$1,444.0027.6%

      Transportation

      Item Paris National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $2.87$3.066.1%
      Tire Balancing $66.57$65.212.1%

      Utilities

      Item Paris National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $178.07$220.1219.1%
      Phone $196.47$195.710.4%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Carlisle, KY2,4998416.1%
      Millersburg, KY8188614.5%
      Cynthiana, KY6,4198911.3%
      North Middletown, KY7498911.1%
      Winchester, KY18,950919.2%
      Paris, KY10,056919.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Benton Harbor, MI10,0597623.7%
      Ellisville, MO10,0501076.7%
      Keansburg, NJ10,0501109.9%
      Fairmount, NY10,049964.0%
      Scotchtown, NY10,04911212.0%
      Paris, KY10,056919.0%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.