Cost of Living in Columbia, KY
Population 4,842 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $45,221, median household incomes in Columbia land roughly 39% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Columbia lies roughly 75 miles south of the nearest major metro, Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance). Median home values run roughly 44% 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 Columbia
The median home value in Columbia is $123,500 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $756/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,221/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, 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%. Overall, Columbia has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.
Columbia has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 Columbia, KY?
Columbia has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.
What is average rent in Columbia, KY?
The median gross rent in Columbia is $756 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia is $123,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia is $45,221 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Columbia, KY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Columbia is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.
Is Columbia, KY affordable?
Yes, Columbia is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.
Columbia at a Glance
- Population
- 4,842
- Median Income
- $45,221
- Home Value
- $123,500
- Median Rent
- $756/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.2%
- 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