Cost of Living in Paris, KY

Population 10,107 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023

58
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Paris 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.

Paris sits roughly 15 miles northeast of Lexington-Fayette urban county — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 33% lower than Lexington-Fayette urban county's $272,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 60
Rent 55

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Paris

The median home value in Paris is $182,100 — 40% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $728/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,464/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, 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, Paris has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$182,100
40% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$254,048
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$728/mo
45% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.8x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$636
1 BR
$721
2 BR
$872
3 BR
$1,187
4 BR
$1,336
Owner-occupied 56.8%
Renter-occupied 43.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$728
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,342/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
25.5 min
6% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.3%
Carpooled
13.3%
Walked
3.4%
Bicycle
1.4%
Work from home
7.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.0%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$49,464
34% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,030
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
8% below avg
Poverty Rate
16.8%
Labor Force Participation
56.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.3%
Graduate degree 10.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.9
Male median age 34.9
Female median age 43.5

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

90.4%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
10
Public schools
3,708
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Paris, KY?

Paris has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.

What is average rent in Paris, KY?

The median gross rent in Paris is $728 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Paris?

The median home value in Paris is $182,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Paris?

The median household income in Paris is $49,464 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Paris, KY?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Paris is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.

Is Paris, KY affordable?

Yes, Paris is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.