Cost of Living in Bardstown, KY
Population 13,673 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Bardstown a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $191,000.
Geographically, Bardstown is about 25 miles southeast of Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 14% lower than Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance)'s $222,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bardstown
The median home value in Bardstown is $190,800 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $917/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,781/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Kentucky's top state income tax rate is 4.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, Bardstown has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bardstown, KY?
Bardstown has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bardstown, KY?
The median gross rent in Bardstown is $917 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bardstown?
The median home value in Bardstown is $190,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bardstown?
The median household income in Bardstown is $49,781 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bardstown, KY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bardstown is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.
Is Bardstown, KY affordable?
Yes, Bardstown is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.
Bardstown at a Glance
- Population
- 13,673
- Median Income
- $49,781
- Home Value
- $190,800
- Median Rent
- $917/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kentucky Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs