Cost of Living in Bowling Green, KY
Population 73,638 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Bowling Green run well below national norms — a median of $48,419 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs and rents do not fully compensate for the earnings difference. Around 25% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 60 miles northeast of Clarksville, Bowling Green is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Housing prices track closely with Clarksville's $236,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bowling Green
The median home value in Bowling Green is $232,100 — 24% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $948/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,419/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, above 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 69.7°F and lows of 48.5°F, with about 8.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Bowling Green has a cost of living index of 75 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% 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 | 46 | 51 | 60 | 71 | 79 | 87 | 90 | 89 | 83 | 72 | 59 | 49 |
| Low °F | 28 | 31 | 38 | 47 | 57 | 66 | 70 | 68 | 60 | 48 | 38 | 32 |
| Precip" | 3.64 | 4.07 | 4.54 | 4.81 | 5.03 | 4.51 | 4.26 | 3.89 | 3.64 | 3.63 | 3.73 | 4.35 |
| Snow" | 3.2 | 2.9 | 1.4 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.8 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bowling Green, KY?
Bowling Green has a cost index of 75 (100 = national average). It is 25% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bowling Green, KY?
The median gross rent in Bowling Green is $948 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bowling Green?
The median home value in Bowling Green is $232,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bowling Green?
The median household income in Bowling Green is $48,419 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bowling Green, KY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bowling Green is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.
Is Bowling Green, KY affordable?
Yes, Bowling Green is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 75 — about 25% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Bowling Green?
Bowling Green has average high temperatures of 69.7°F and average lows of 48.5°F. Annual precipitation is 50.1". Average annual snowfall is 8.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bowling Green at a Glance
- Population
- 73,638
- Median Income
- $48,419
- Home Value
- $232,100
- Median Rent
- $948/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
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Kentucky Rankings
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