Cost of Living in Bedford, KY

With a cost of living index of 65, Bedford, KY is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 35% cheaper than the national average and 13% below the Kentucky state average of 78. Bedford is a small community of 289 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Bedford's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $865 (34% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $81,100 (73% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.4x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Bedford is $33,750, which is 55% 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.

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.