Ashland, KY vs Middlesborough, KY

Middlesborough is moderately more affordable than Ashland, with a 12.5% lower cost of living index. Ashland scores 67 compared to 60 for Middlesborough, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Ashland can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Ashland is $859/month compared to $670/month in Middlesborough — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Middlesborough is more affordable at $88,700 median vs $125,300.

Median household income in Ashland is $52,199 compared to $34,349 in Middlesborough (+52%). While Ashland is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ashland spend roughly 19.7% of their income on rent, less than the 23.4% in Middlesborough.