Bardstown, KY vs Central City, KY

Central City is moderately more affordable than Bardstown, with a 14.3% lower cost of living index. Bardstown scores 76 compared to 67 for Central City, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Bardstown can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Bardstown is $917/month compared to $755/month in Central City — a 22% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Central City is more affordable at $140,700 median vs $190,800.

Median household income in Bardstown is $49,781 compared to $49,025 in Central City (+1.5%). Bardstown does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Bardstown spend roughly 22.1% of their income on rent, more than the 18.5% in Central City.