A+
14%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
36%
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 Somerset Kentucky National
Cost of living8688100
Groceries9698100
Health care9797100
Housing6470100
Transportation9896100
Utilities9695100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9395100
Household Items9597100
Education & Childcare9394100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Somerset, KY

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Somerset? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Somerset stands at 86, making it 14% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Somerset?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 6 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Somerset. The results indicated that 17% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 83% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Somerset Affordable?

Is Somerset 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 Somerset, the median home price is 38.4% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 31.3% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Somerset come in at $41,892, which is 48.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Somerset?

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 Somerset, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates kick off at 4.5%.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Somerset, the groceries index is 3.6% lower than the national average.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Somerset, the housing index is 36.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Somerset 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 Somerset is 2% lower than the Kentucky average
  • The cost of living in Somerset is 14% lower than the national average
  • Somerset housing is 36% 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 Somerset

See all the best places to live around Somerset

Compare Somerset, KY Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$95,043$7,920$2,218$2,852
      Renters$32,931$2,744$768$988
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Somerset, 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 Somerset homeowners, is $95,043. This would allow for a maximum of $2,218 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $32,931 which would result in a maximum of $768 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.
      Eubank, KY3748317.5%
      Ferguson, KY8998515.4%
      Science Hill, KY8308614.0%
      Burnside, KY1,0158613.5%
      Somerset, KY11,8968613.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Meaford, ON11,896n/a 
      Cocoa Beach, FL11,90412322.7%
      Smithfield, UT11,9041098.8%
      Lyndon, KY11,9051022.4%
      Wallington, NJ11,88513535.3%
      Somerset, KY11,8968613.8%
      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.