Marion, KY vs Union, KY

The cost of living difference between Marion, KY and Union, KY is dramatic. Marion is 50.1% cheaper than Union, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Marion has a cost index of 58 while Union sits at 117, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Marion is $577/month compared to $1,721/month in Union — a 67% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marion is more affordable at $104,100 median vs $382,900.

Median household income in Marion is $40,691 compared to $139,013 in Union (-70.7%). While Union is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Marion spend roughly 17% of their income on rent, more than the 14.9% in Union.