Cost of Living in Arlington, KY

With a cost of living index of 64, Arlington, KY is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 36% cheaper than the national average and 14% below the Kentucky state average of 78. Arlington is a small community of 235 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Arlington's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $950 (28% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $64,400 (79% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.8x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Arlington is $36,250, which is 52% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 31% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Everyday prices in the Paducah, KY-IL (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.