As college degrees become more and more expensive, students everywhere are looking for any and every way to save money where they can. One of the most effective categories in which to save is the cost of living, including:
- off-campus housing
- food
- transportation
- medical care
With a cost of living around 13% lower than the national average, Kentucky is a much more affordable place to live than many other parts of the country. This is good news for students attending any of Kentucky’s 54 colleges and universities.
Methodology
Using data from Wikipedia, our editors made a list of every college town in Kentucky. We then used data from Sperling’s Best Places to rank them on general affordability. To figure out which college towns are most affordable, we looked at costs for:
- housing
- food
- health
- transportation
- utilities
We compared them to the national average. We also considered features like:
- amenities
- crime rates
- public transportation
- overall quality of life
We then narrowed our list down to the 20 most affordable college towns in Kentucky for 2020.
1. Williamsburg
University of the Cumberlands
Cost of Living: 27.3% Lower than the National Average; 16.8% Lower than the State Average
Picture-perfect Williamsburg is home to University of the Cumberlands, one of the largest private colleges in the state. Williamsburg offers its residents a high quality of life at a low cost of living. Indeed, the tight-knit community of Williamsburg seems to always have something going on:
- fairs
- festivals
- concerts
- sporting events
- the annual Old Fashioned Trading Days festival
A multi-million dollar water park makes cooling down a breeze. The best free entertainment in town can be had at Cumberland Falls State Park, home to dozens of hiking trails and the 125-foot wide waterfall known as the “Niagara of the South.”
2. Grayson
Kentucky Christian University
Cost of Living: 24% Lower than the National Average; 13.5% Lower than the State Average
Grayson, home to Kentucky Christian University, is a small town situated among the Appalachian foothills. Housing costs in this tight-knit community are less than half of the national average. Also falling below the national norm are costs for:
- food
- healthcare
- utilities
- transportation
- entertainment
People — students and residents alike — are drawn to Grayson for its pristine natural setting and outdoor recreational opportunities. Three state parks overlap Grayson’s borders. Popular recreation includes:
- hiking
- mountain biking
- camping
- boating
- caving
- zip-lining
- rafting.
3. (tie) Columbia
Lindsey Wilson College
Cost of Living: 22.5% Lower than the National Average; 12% Lower than the State Average
Tiny Columbia is home to Lindsey Wilson College, a private liberal arts college associated with the Methodist church. The population is around 4,000 people. Columbia is a quiet community with an impressive collection of historical sites and buildings, and a quaint walkable downtown area. Outdoor activities are the popular pastimes here. Columbia’s ideal location gives people easy access to recreation lakes and world-class fishing spots, including:
- Green River Reservoir
- Dale Hollow Lake State Park
- Barren River State Park
- Lake Cumberland State Park.
3. (tie) Morehead
Morehead State University
Cost of Living: 22.5% Lower than the National Average; 12% Lower than the State Average
Morehead, home to Morehead State University, is one of three officially designated Kentucky Trail Towns. As such, it’s a popular destination for lovers of the outdoors. Kentucky’s longest trail, Sheltowee Trace, meanders right through Morehead’s picturesque downtown. This means a leisurely hike can conveniently end with a drink or meal at one of the town’s locally owned restaurants. Nearby Cave Run Lake has more than 100 miles of trails that are especially popular among mountain bikers and equestrians. Lexington, less than an hour’s drive away, is an easy getaway for big city amenities or a day at the races.
5. Barbourville
Union College
Cost of Living: 22% Lower than the National Average; 11.5% Lower than the State Average
Those who like their college towns to come with proud historical traditions will love Barbourville. The small town is home to the famous Daniel Boone Festival. It’s also the site of the first log cabin ever built by a settler in Kentucky. Students attending Union College are sure to love Barbourville’s walkable and charming downtown area. Shops and restaurants are all surrounded by some of the state’s most beautiful nature. And one fun benefit of coming back to school each September– the Living History Days Festival. The festival includes the reenactment of Barbourville’s 1861 Civil War Battle, the first in the state of Kentucky.
6. Campbellsville
Campbellsville University
Cost of Living: 19.3% Lower than the National Average; 8.8% Lower than the State Average
Situated in the heart of Kentucky, Campbellsville has been called the state’s “best kept secret.” The town is an oasis for outdoor adventure. Nearby Green River Lake State Park offers outdoor lovers more than 40 miles of trails for:
- hiking
- mountain biking
- horseback riding
Back in town, a Civil War battle site and historic downtown lined with shops, eateries, and a rejuvenating spa means there is plenty to fill one’s time. Quality of life is high here, and the cost of living is one of the lowest around. Other costs are well below the national average, including:
- food
- healthcare
- housing, utilities
- transportation
- entertainment.
7. Frankfort
Kentucky State University
Cost of Living: 18% Lower than the State Average; 7.5% Higher than the State Average
Nestled between Kentucky’s two biggest cities is its charming little capital, Frankfort. The town is home to Kentucky State University. It offers its student residents easy access to everything that makes Kentucky what it is. Prestigious horse farms and historic Keeneland racetrack are perfect hosts for a fun day away from campus. Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Trail meanders through and around Frankfort itself. Downtown, students have access to:
- historical sites
- shops
- restaurants
- art studios
Big city amenities are all within easy reach.
8. Berea
Berea College
Cost of Living: 17.2% Lower than the National Average; 6.7% Lower than the State Average
Artsy students at Berea College will love living in the small town of Berea. The uncontested “Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky” is well known for its:
- diverse culture
- politically active local population
- proud history
Berea College was the first interracial college founded in the South. In addition to the usual shops and restaurants, Berea’s inviting downtown area is lined with more than 40:
- arts and crafts stores
- galleries
- studios
When students need a break from small town living, the city of Lexington is an easy 45-minute drive north.
9. Murray
Murray State University
Cost of Living: 16.7% Lower than the National Average; 6.2% Lower than the State Average
Consistently ranked as one of the “Best Communities for Young People,” Murray is a beautiful and energetic town, and a great place to call home! Students at Murray State University have it all:
- a tight-knit local community
- vibrant music and theater scenes
- local hunting and fishing sites
- fine art museums
- lush parks
- shopping and dining options in all price ranges
Best of all, the cost of living is a whopping 17% lower than the national average.
10. Owensboro
Kentucky Wesleyan College, Brescia University
Cost of Living: 15.1% Lower than the National Average; 4.6% Lower than the State Average
With a cost of living that is so far below the national average, one may be surprised to hear that Owensboro is one of Kentucky’s most visited small towns. This energetic community, which is home to two well-known colleges, plays host to a number of popular attractions, including:
- the International Bluegrass Music Museum
- the top-notch Regional Performing Arts and Civic Center
- the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art
- the Owensboro Museum of Science and History
- the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden.
11. Pikeville
University of Pikeville
Cost of Living: 14.8% Lower than the National Average; 4.3% Lower than the State Average
Pikeville, home to the University of Pikeville, has twice been recognized as one of America’s best small towns. The main off-campus student hangout is the downtown area. It offers:
- budget-friendly dining options
- locally owned shops and boutiques
- historic walking tours
For those who love the outdoors, Pikeville’s easy proximity to the Appalachians makes hiking and other outdoor activities popular pastimes. Pikeville was the setting for much of the Hatfield/McCoy Feud. Tourists can often be seen following the path of markers that tell the tragic stories of the long battle between families.
12. (tie) Highland Heights
Northern Kentucky University
Cost of Living: 13.5% Lower than the National Average; 3% Lower than the State Average
Highland Heights is located in the hills of northern Kentucky, just seven miles south of Cincinnati. It’s the quiet suburb that is home to Northern Kentucky University. It’s one of the state’s fastest growing universities. The town is an hour and a half to both Louisville and Lexington. But Highland Heights has managed to maintain a small-town, tight-knit feel. It’s also one of the safest towns in the United States. The local police department has earned national recognition for its Community Relations Team and its success in keeping the town and its citizens safe.
12. (tie) Danville
Centre College
Cost of Living: 13.5% Lower than the National Average; 3% Lower than the State Average
Renowned liberal arts school Centre College is located in Danville, a charming college town with a proud history. The award-winning downtown consists of:
- significant historical sites
- locally owned restaurants and cafes
- budget-friendly shops and boutiques
- beautifully painted buildings
A noteworthy arts scene provides plenty of entertainment locally, making Danville a great (and affordable!) alternative to the hustle and bustle of the big city.
14. Richmond
Eastern Kentucky University
Cost of Living: 10.6% Lower than the National Average; .1% Lower than the State Average
Students at Eastern Kentucky University have the pleasure of living in Richmond, one of Kentucky’s fastest growing cities. The centrally located town of 20,000 people has managed to retain its laid-back, college town feel, even throughout its growth. The inviting and picturesque downtown remains a popular hangout for students enjoying its shops and restaurants. Outdoor recreational activities are popular pastimes here. This isn’t surprising considering Richmond’s proximity to:
- hiking trails
- lakes
- mountains.
15. Wilmore
Asbury University, Asbury Theological Seminary
Cost of Living: 9.9% Lower than the National Average; .6% Higher than the State Average
Wilmore is home to a small liberal arts college and a theological seminary. It’s a quaint and quiet little place. Happily for Asbury students, Wilmore’s picturesque downtown is practically right across the street from campus. Here, students enjoy hanging out at:
- book stores
- a movie theater
- little shops selling everything from affordable necessities to antiques
While prices aren’t likely to be any lower in bigger cities, Asbury students often head to larger places like Lexington and Nicholasville for more shopping and entertainment choices.
16. Bowling Green
Western Kentucky University
Cost of Living: 6.7% Lower than the National Average; 3.8% Higher than the State Average
Forbes magazine recently named Bowling Green one of the “25 Best Places to Retire” in America. But one need not be of a certain age to enjoy this fun college town. A recent redevelopment project left Bowling Green with a downtown that caters to a student population, complete with:
- restaurants
- shops
- trendy apartments
- art galleries
Making for some fun and inexpensive pastimes are:
- a large performing arts center
- lakes
- the largest cave system in the world
The bigger cities of Louisville and Nashville are also within easy access. Nearly all of the important cost of living categories come in under the national average. Housing costs in Bowling Green average only about 93% of the U.S. norm.
17. Lexington
University of Kentucky, Transylvania University
Cost of Living: 5% Lower than the National Average; 5.5% Higher than the State Average
Though it’s the second largest city in Kentucky, Lexington feels like a small town. This is partly due to the fact that much of it is spread out among rolling green hills. Horses and the University of Kentucky Wildcats are the two most important things here. Motifs relating to both can be spotted all over town. Areas around Lexington vary from small and affordable, to historical, to luxurious and out of reach to all but the wealthiest of the wealthy. (We’re talking the Saudi royalty kind of wealthy). Still, housing in Lexington averages about 7% less than the national average, as do the costs of:
- food
- utilities
- transportation
- entertainment
It’s good news for students and anyone else looking to make beautiful Lexington their home.
18. Louisville
University of Louisville, Bellarmine University, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Cost of Living: 3.7% Lower than the National Average; 6.8% Higher than the State Average
Louisville is a fun and laid-back city that is the perfect place to spend four or more years. Its cost of living is lower than both the national average and most other cities its size. Louisville is also within 10-hours driving distance to approximately 60% of cities in the continental United States. Bardstown Road and Frankfort Avenue are fun places lined with student-friendly:
- shops
- restaurants
- clubs
- pizza parlors
Plus, there is always something happening, whether it’s the famous Kentucky Derby in May, or April’s Thunder Over Louisville, the largest fireworks show in the world.
19. (tie) Georgetown
Georgetown College
Cost of Living: 3.5% Lower than the National Average; 7% Higher than the State Average
Located only 10 miles north of Lexington, quaint and upscale Georgetown is best known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” Georgetown College students have access to one of the most historic and picturesque downtowns in all of Kentucky. They often spend quiet weekends or evenings strolling through the variety of:
- unique boutiques
- coffee shops
- locally owned restaurants
Georgetown is an incredibly desirable address, and housing prices tend to be slightly higher here than in the surrounding area. Still, college budget-friendly options certainly exist. Some of these are even located in historic neighborhoods known for their fine examples of Victorian architecture.
19. (tie) Midway
Midway University
Cost of Living: 3.5% Lower than the National Average; 7% Higher than the State Average
Nestled between Frankfort and Lexington, tiny Midway is probably best known as the location of dozens of beautiful and prestigious horse farms. But as the home of Midway College, it’s also a fun college town with plenty of historical significance and entertainment to offer its residents. Midway’s picturesque downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a fun place to spend an afternoon shopping or enjoying locally owned restaurants. Perhaps not surprisingly, equestrian sports are the big pastimes here. The historic Keeneland racetrack is a popular place to spend a weekend day.
By GCD Staff