Cost of Living in Stanford, KY
Population 3,662 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Stanford a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $154,000.
Stanford is about 35 miles south of Lexington-Fayette urban county, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 43% 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 Stanford
The median home value in Stanford is $154,000 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $683/month, 48% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,000/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, 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, Stanford has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.
Stanford 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 Stanford, KY?
Stanford has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.
What is average rent in Stanford, KY?
The median gross rent in Stanford is $683 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Stanford?
The median home value in Stanford is $154,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Stanford?
The median household income in Stanford is $55,000 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Stanford, KY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Stanford is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.
Is Stanford, KY affordable?
Yes, Stanford is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.
Stanford at a Glance
- Population
- 3,662
- Median Income
- $55,000
- Home Value
- $154,000
- Median Rent
- $683/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- 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