Cost of Living in Owensboro, KY - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,971 monthly including rent, or $892 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,734 with rent, or $1,687 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,497 including rent, or $2,481 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$17.92 $17.92
$11.95 $11.95
$39.83 $39.83
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$59.0 $59.0
$49.19 $49.19
$108 $108
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.17 $10.17
$8.13 $8.13
$12.20 $12.20
Cappuccino
$6.03 $6.03
$4.56 $4.56
$9.13 $9.13
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.95 $1.95
$1.03 $1.03
$5.13 $5.13
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.30 $1.30
$0.98 $0.98
$3.41 $3.41
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.10 $4.10
$3.07 $3.07
$9.22 $9.22
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.99 $4.99
$4.99 $4.99
$12.97 $12.97
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.11 $1.11
$0.78 $0.78
$1.57 $1.57
White Bread (500g)
$3.25 $3.25
$2.16 $2.16
$5.79 $5.79
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.42 $4.42
$2.21 $2.21
$6.63 $6.63
Eggs
$3.89 $3.89
$1.92 $1.92
$6.09 $6.09
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.56 $6.56
$6.56 $6.56
$69.5 $69.5
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.93 $10.93
$5.88 $5.88
$21.88 $21.88
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$8.92 $8.92
$8.92 $8.92
$17.84 $17.84
Apples (1kg)
$4.28 $4.28
$2.12 $2.12
$6.80 $6.80
Banana (1kg)
$1.33 $1.33
$1.09 $1.09
$3.55 $3.55
Oranges (1kg)
$2.70 $2.70
$1.56 $1.56
$11.31 $11.31
Tomato (1kg)
$3.47 $3.47
$1.49 $1.49
$6.87 $6.87
Potato (1kg)
$2.19 $2.19
$1.62 $1.62
$5.97 $5.97
Onion (1kg)
$2.24 $2.24
$2.24 $2.24
$6.70 $6.70
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.06 $2.06
$1.13 $1.13
$3.09 $3.09
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.53 $1.53
$1.53 $1.53
$3.06 $3.06
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.16 $9.16
$7.15 $7.15
$10.21 $10.21
Wine (Bottle)
$7.92 $7.92
$7.92 $7.92
$21.78 $21.78
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.07 $2.07
$1.75 $1.75
$4.34 $4.34
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.47 $4.47
$1.76 $1.76
$7.11 $7.11
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.97 $0.97
$0.97 $0.97
$1.94 $1.94
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$30.31 $30.31
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$5.01 $5.01
$5.01 $5.01
$7.01 $7.01
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.54 $1.54
$1.54 $1.54
$2.15 $2.15
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$21.38 $21.38
$21.38 $21.38
$50.9 $50.9
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.78 $0.78
$0.71 $0.71
$0.94 $0.94
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$32.9K $32.9K
$24.3K $24.3K
$37.4K $37.4K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.8K $26.8K
$25.9K $25.9K
$30.2K $30.2K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$169 $169
$119 $119
$298 $298
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$59.9 $59.9
$39.91 $39.91
$107 $107
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$60.9 $60.9
$55.8 $55.8
$122 $122
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$51.0 $51.0
$17.85 $17.85
$51.0 $51.0
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$10.10 $10.10
-
Cinema Ticket
$13.35 $13.35
$11.09 $11.09
$20.16 $20.16
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,262 $1,262
$776 $776
$1,628 $1,628
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$30.3K $30.3K
$23.9K $23.9K
$31.9K $31.9K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$60.7 $60.7
$30.15 $30.15
$89.4 $89.4
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$47.57 $47.57
$28.44 $28.44
$73.6 $73.6
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$91.2 $91.2
$49.28 $49.28
$118 $118
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$136 $136
$50.9 $50.9
$204 $204
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$718 $718
$600 $600
$794 $794
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$776 $776
$776 $776
$1,493 $1,493
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,054 $1,054
$1,018 $1,018
$1,090 $1,090
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$937 $937
$937 $937
$2,466 $2,466
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,652 $1,652
$1,604 $1,604
$1,700 $1,700
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,675 $1,675
$1,627 $1,627
$1,724 $1,724
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,402 $3,402
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.47
6.19
6.8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: May 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $718 for a central one-bedroom, or $776 outside the center. At 21% of the average salary ($3,402), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $3,402, while typical expenses reach $1,971. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $308 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $59.0 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $30.31 per month.

Cost Highlights

Cappuccino is more expensive than 95% of cities in North America

Gasoline is cheaper than 92% of cities in North America

3-bedroom apartment, city center is cheaper than 90% of cities in North America

Owensboro, KY Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Owensboro, KY - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Owensboro affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to other cities?
Owensboro offers solid value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want a practical base without metro prices. It’s typically cheaper for housing, groceries, and daily services than many large cities, with a comfortable range of dining and leisure options. The Cost of Living in Owensboro, KY, United States is shaped by approachable rents, accessible healthcare, and family-friendly neighborhoods, making it easier to budget during a flexible itinerary or a short-term assignment. Expect slower rhythms, short commutes, and a supportive local scene that helps you balance work and exploration. Tip: Build a simple monthly budget and test a few neighborhoods to see where you feel most at home.
What does daily life look like in Owensboro when you’re searching for housing, choosing food options, and getting around?
Finding a place in Owensboro is often straightforward through local listings, with options ranging from downtown apartments to ranch homes in quieter neighborhoods. For groceries and dining, you’ll encounter a mix of farmers markets, casual eateries, and familiar chains that offer variety without the heftier city prices. Transport is practical: a car is convenient for suburbs, but you can bike or walk in core areas, and most towns have reliable local routes. For errands and coworking, several community spaces provide reliable wifi and a welcoming atmosphere. Owensboro, KY, United States living cost remains balanced as you compare essentials. Tip: Map a couple of neighborhoods to test day-to-day routines.
What quality of life can you expect, and what budgeting approach helps you save across seasons and neighborhoods?
Quality of life in Owensboro is shaped by friendly communities, riverfront parks, and reliable services that support a balanced routine. A practical budgeting framework focuses on essential expenses, a buffer for seasonal shifts, and flexible discretionary spending for occasional trips or coworking days. Save by shopping at farmers' markets, taking advantage of discount days at local shops, and choosing neighborhoods with walkable amenities. Seasonality influences activities and dining options, but there are plentiful free or low-cost outdoor events throughout the year. When selecting a neighborhood, weigh commute comfort, safety, access to green spaces, and the pace you want. Tip: map a 3-month rotation of areas to feel the fit.
What is the average cost of living in Owensboro, KY?
A single person in Owensboro, KY typically spends $1,971 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $892. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
What is the average cost of living in Owensboro, KY in 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Owensboro, KY come to around $1,971 including rent, or roughly $892 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
Can you save money on an average salary in Owensboro, KY?
At $3,402 take-home, most residents in Owensboro, KY can cover the $1,971 monthly cost of living. Those earning $2,957 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What are typical rents in Owensboro, KY?
Where you live in Owensboro, KY makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $718; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $776. Overall, the market runs from $776 to $718 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Owensboro, KY?
A regular gym membership in Owensboro, KY costs around $51.0 monthly. It's a reasonable expense that fits into most budgets, and you generally get decent facilities for the price.
What is a typical grocery budget in Owensboro, KY?
Expect to spend around $308 per month on groceries in Owensboro, KY. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
Can a person live on $2,000 monthly in Owensboro, KY?
Living on $2,000 in Owensboro, KY means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,971. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What is quality of life like in Owensboro, KY?
Owensboro, KY offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value fast internet, clean air, family-friendly facilities, and at around $1,971 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
Can you save money living in Owensboro, KY?
Monthly expenses in Owensboro, KY run around $1,971, so putting money aside takes more than $2,957 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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