A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
35%
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 Shively Kentucky National
Cost of living8788100
Groceries9598100
Health care9797100
Housing6570100
Transportation9996100
Utilities9595100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9895100
Household Items9597100
Education & Childcare9594100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Shively, KY

Understanding the cost of living in Shively 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 Shively cost of living index is 87, which is 13% 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.

Is Shively Affordable?

Is Shively 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 Shively is 40.6% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 20.5% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Shively has a median household income of $62,919, which is 22.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Shively?

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Shively, is 34.6% 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.

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 Shively, the utilities index stands at 5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Shively 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 Shively is 1% lower than the Kentucky average
  • The cost of living in Shively is 13% lower than the national average
  • Shively housing is 35% 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 Shively

See all the best places to live around Shively

Compare Shively, 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$81,289$6,774$1,897$2,439
      Renters$36,756$3,063$858$1,103
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Shively, KY, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Shively have a median income of $81,289. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,897 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $36,756, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $858.

      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.
      South Park View, KY5973.0%
      Laconia, IN397624.3%
      West Point, KY1,1258019.9%
      New Middletown, IN1118416.4%
      Watterson Park, KY9888712.8%
      Shively, KY16,0918712.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      White Oak, MD16,08713636.3%
      Canyon, TX16,086973.3%
      Conyers, GA16,084972.7%
      Hermitage, PA16,098909.8%
      North Arlington, NJ16,08013332.6%
      Shively, KY16,0918712.8%
      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.