Cost of Living in Bowling Green, KY (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Key facts
- Rent (1-bedroom)
- $838/month
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Median household income
- $48,873
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Regional price parity
- 90.2 (below national average)
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024-12-31
- Utilities (monthly)
- $128/month
- U.S. Energy Information Administration · 2026-06-30
- Rent burden (of income)
- 21% (affordable)
- Derived from Census + HUD threshold · 2024-12-31
Can you afford this city?
- Groceries (est.)
- $393
- Monthly surplus
- $2,391
Salary needed to live here
- Gross per month
- $2,941
- Comfortable budget
- $2,059
Bowling Green, KY vs the US average
| Metric | Value | vs US avg |
|---|---|---|
Median household income (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $48,873 | -37% vs US |
Median home value (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $241,900 | -29% vs US |
Rent (1BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $838 | -36% vs US |
Rent (2BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $1,004 | -32% vs US |
Grocery cost index (BEA Regional Price Parities, Dec 2024) | 96.0 | -4% vs US |
Utilities (monthly) (EIA Electricity Retail Sales, Jun 2026) | $128 | -38% vs US |
Cost breakdown vs US average
What it costs to live in Bowling Green
At $838 per month for a one-bedroom, Bowling Green sits well below the national median of $1,300 (36% less). The median household income here is $48,873, and a one-bedroom lease absorbs about 21% of that — leaving room under the 30% affordability threshold. Median homes are valued at $241,900 (4.9× median income) — above the 3× affordability rule, though in line with many U.S. metros. That's 29% below the U.S. median of $340,200. Utilities are relatively low at about $128/month — 38% below the national average of $205. Use the calculator above to see how far your income goes, with rent and utilities prefilled from the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.
Buying a home in Bowling Green?
Mortgage payment calculator
- Principal & interest
- $2,108
- Total interest
- $438,707
Estimate only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures are illustrative and may not reflect your situation. Consult a qualified professional.
Cite this page
CostAlmanac US, *Bowling Green, KY — Cost of Living*, https://costalmanac.com/cost-of-living/bowling-green-ky
Data from U.S. government sources. See methodology for how every number is computed.