Cost of Living in Marion, KY

With a cost of living index of 58, Marion, KY is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 42% cheaper than the national average and 20% below the Kentucky state average of 78. Marion is a small community of 2,908 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Marion's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $577 (56% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $104,100 (66% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.6x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Marion is $40,691, which is 46% 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.