Cost of Living in Jackson, KY

With a cost of living index of 53, Jackson, KY is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 47% cheaper than the national average and 25% below the Kentucky state average of 78. Jackson is a small community of 2,128 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Jackson's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $494 (63% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $75,900 (75% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.2x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Jackson is $34,317, which is 54% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% 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.