Cost of Living in Owensboro, KY
Population 60,112 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Owensboro cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $163,000, rents near $900 a month.
Located 30 miles southeast of Evansville, Owensboro falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 26% higher than Evansville's $129,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Owensboro
The median home value in Owensboro is $162,900 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $900/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,295/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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, Owensboro has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% 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
💨 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 Owensboro, KY?
Owensboro has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Owensboro, KY?
The median gross rent in Owensboro is $900 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Owensboro?
The median home value in Owensboro is $162,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Owensboro?
The median household income in Owensboro is $53,295 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Owensboro, KY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Owensboro is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.
Is Owensboro, KY affordable?
Yes, Owensboro is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
Owensboro at a Glance
- Population
- 60,112
- Median Income
- $53,295
- Home Value
- $162,900
- Median Rent
- $900/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.8%
- 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