Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Kentucky's cost of living index is 91.0 (U.S. average = 100), well below average, driven by cheap housing and utilities.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Kentucky | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 90.2 | 100 |
Housing Costs
Kentucky's housing cost index is 76, among the lowest in the country, reflecting affordable home prices statewide.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Kentucky | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 64.3 | 100 |
Utility Costs
Kentucky's utility cost index is 94, slightly below the national average, aided by low electricity prices from coal generation.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (South region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU030072610).
| Indicator | Kentucky | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 75.3 | 100 |
Food Costs
Kentucky's food and grocery cost index is 96, below the national average.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
Food price index (South region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, South region, annual average (CUUR0300SAF1).
| Indicator | Kentucky | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 96 | 100 |
Healthcare Costs
Kentucky's healthcare cost index is 98, close to the national average, though access varies widely between Louisville/Lexington and rural Appalachia.
Medical care price index (South region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, South region, annual average (CUUR0300SAM).
Transportation Costs
Kentucky's transportation cost index is 93, with an average gas price of about $3.00 per gallon.
Regular gasoline price
1993–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Midwest region (PADD 2), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R20_DPG).
| Indicator | Kentucky | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.11 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |