Bowling Green, KY

Very Low · 70

Kentucky · Population 73,638 · Updated March 2026

$948
Median Rent / Month
$48,419
Median Income
$232,100
Median Home Value
$966
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Bowling Green

23.5%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Kentucky

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.0%
Sales Tax
0.83%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$11,376
Annual Rent
$1,937
State Income Tax
$1,926
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Bowling Green is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 70 (where 100 equals the national median), Bowling Green residents can expect to pay median rent of $948/month while earning a median household income of $48,419/year.

The median home value in Bowling Green, KY is $232,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $966 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.5% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Kentucky has a moderate income tax rate of 4.0%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 0.83% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Bowling Green.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Bowling Green

What is the cost of living in Bowling Green, KY?
The cost of living index in Bowling Green, KY is 70 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $948, median household income is $48,419/year, and the median home value is $232,100.
Is Bowling Green, KY affordable?
Yes, Bowling Green is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 70. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Bowling Green, KY?
The median gross rent in Bowling Green, KY is $948 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $11,376.
What is the median household income in Bowling Green?
The median household income in Bowling Green, KY is $48,419 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Kentucky?
Kentucky has a top income tax rate of 4.0%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.83%.