Cost of Living in Hyden, KY

With a cost of living index of 52, Hyden, KY is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 48% cheaper than the national average and 26% below the Kentucky state average of 78. Hyden is a small community of 445 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Hyden's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $376 (71% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $102,400 (66% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.9x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Hyden is $55,000, which is 27% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 8% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. 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.