Cost of Living in Berea, KY
Population 15,557 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Berea sits on the smaller end of the Kentucky city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Geographically, Berea is about 30 miles south of Lexington-Fayette urban county, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 35% lower than Lexington-Fayette urban county's $272,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Berea
The median home value in Berea is $178,000 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $806/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,484/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 66.3°F and lows of 46.3°F, with about 14.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Berea has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 42 | 47 | 56 | 67 | 76 | 84 | 87 | 86 | 80 | 69 | 56 | 46 |
| Low °F | 25 | 28 | 36 | 45 | 55 | 63 | 67 | 65 | 58 | 47 | 36 | 30 |
| Precip" | 3.42 | 3.64 | 4.48 | 4.42 | 5.44 | 4.96 | 5.12 | 3.71 | 3.42 | 3.66 | 3.37 | 4.20 |
| Snow" | 4.7 | 4.5 | 2.8 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 1.9 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Berea, KY?
Berea has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Berea, KY?
The median gross rent in Berea is $806 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Berea?
The median home value in Berea is $178,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Berea?
The median household income in Berea is $56,484 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Berea, KY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Berea is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.
Is Berea, KY affordable?
Yes, Berea is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Berea?
Berea has average high temperatures of 66.3°F and average lows of 46.3°F. Annual precipitation is 49.8". Average annual snowfall is 14.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Berea at a Glance
- Population
- 15,557
- Median Income
- $56,484
- Home Value
- $178,000
- Median Rent
- $806/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.3°F
- 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