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Transparent & data-driven

How We Ranked the Most Expensive Places

Each city is scored across five weighted categories using daily MLS data and verified government stats. Every metric is benchmarked against both its state average and the national average — dual benchmarking — so a market isn’t judged expensive just for sitting in a high-cost state.

Scoring weights

  • Housing Costs40%

    Sale price, price per sq ft & high-value concentration vs. state and national benchmarks.

  • Rent Burden20%

    Median rent, rent-to-income ratio & rental demand vs. state and national medians.

  • Income vs. Cost Imbalance15%

    The gap between median household income and the cost of living for the area.

  • Market Demand Intensity15%

    Turnover, scarcity, days on market & buyer competition from Houzeo’s live MLS feed.

  • Cost of Living10%

    Utilities, transportation & everyday goods vs. state and national averages — the tiebreaker.

Our data sources

MLS metrics update daily; government data is added on each agency’s release schedule.

Your New Home is Waiting for You in Kentucky

Best Expensive Places to Retire in Kentucky

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Top 3 Most Expensive Kentucky Cities Worth It for Families

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Top 3 Most Expensive Cities Worth It for Young Adults

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Cost of Living in Kentucky's Most Expensive Cities

High home prices are only part of the equation in Kentucky's priciest markets. Groceries, utilities, and insurance all run above the national average. Coastal homeowner's insurance alone can add thousands to your annual budget. Here is what to expect across five of Kentucky's most expensive cities.

CityMedian Home PriceMedian RentCost of LivingRank
Lakeside Park $572,000$1,312arrow 0% above national avg1/10
Versailles $541,924$1,850arrow 3% above national avg2/10
Crestwood $441,000$1,900arrow 8% above national avg3/10
Union $427,900$2,365arrow 15% above national avg4/10
Villa Hills $438,025$2,100arrow 1% above national avg5/10

Safest Places to Live in Kentucky

For many people, a safe neighborhood is just as important as affordability and convenience. Kentucky has several communities known for lower crime rates. These cities provide the comfort and stability residents look for in a place to settle down. Browse our safest places to live in Kentucky rankings to discover which places earned a spot on the list.

Rank#1

Clay

98/100

Score

Safest Safest

Rank#2

Harlan

90/100

Score

Safest Safest

Rank#3

Alexandria

88/100

Score

Safest Safest

Rank#4

Independence

77/100

Score

Safest Safest

Rank#5

Franklin

76/100

Score

Safest Safest

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Based on information from the Northern Kentucky Multiple Listing Service, Inc. through Sep 15, 2026, 11:30 PM. Information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use. It may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties that consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. This website may not include listings or property addresses of sellers who have directed their listing brokers to withhold their listing or their property address from display on the Internet. © 2026 Northern Kentucky Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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MLS Disclaimers
The market analysis provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Data is sourced from public records, industry reports, and third-party providers, and while Houzeo strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

All estimates, projections, and historical data are based on statistical models and should not be relied upon as predictions of future market conditions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and real estate market conditions may change due to various economic and regulatory factors. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before making any real estate or financial decisions. Houzeo is not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided. Any unauthorized use, duplication, or distribution of the data may violate copyright laws and result in legal consequences. Certain information, tools and services on this page may be powered by third-party vendors. Houzeo does not control or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or functionality of such third-party services.