Best Cities for Registered Nurses in Kentucky
Ranked by affordability — cost of living, rent, and net income on a $77,000 salary
Kentucky has 4 metro areas with full cost-of-living data. For registered nurses earning around $77,000 annually, Elizabethtown stands out as the most affordable option with a cost-of-living index of 58.6 and $52,593 left after taxes and rent. 4 cities in Kentucky sit below the national average cost of living, giving registered nurses more purchasing power per dollar earned. Lexington-Fayette is the priciest metro at 74.4 on the index, 16 points above Elizabethtown.
City Rankings by Affordability
Full Comparison Table
| # | City | COL Index | 2BR Rent/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elizabethtown | 58.6 | $1,056 |
| 2 | Owensboro | 59.7 | $1,110 |
| 3 | Bowling Green | 66.1 | $1,153 |
| 4 | Lexington-Fayette | 74.4 | $1,272 |
Net income = $77,000 salary − federal & Kentucky state taxes − annual 2BR rent. COL index: national avg = 100.
How We Rank Cities
Cities are ranked by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, where 100 equals the national average. A lower score means your money goes further. Net income is calculated using a benchmark $77,000 salary for registered nurses who provide patient care in hospitals and clinics, after applying 2026 federal and Kentucky state income tax brackets and subtracting HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment. Purchasing power adjusts net income for local price levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable city in Kentucky for registered nurses?
Elizabethtown is the most affordable city in Kentucky for registered nurses, with a cost-of-living index of 58.6 (national average = 100). On a $77,000 salary, you'd have approximately $52,593 after taxes and rent for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How much do registered nurses earn in Kentucky?
Registered Nurses in Kentucky earn around $77,000 per year on average. After federal and state taxes, and typical 2-bedroom rent costs (averaging $13,776 per year across the state), take-home spending money varies significantly by city—making location a critical factor.
How does cost of living vary across Kentucky cities?
Across 4 metro areas in Kentucky, the average cost-of-living index is 65 (national average = 100). The most affordable metro is Elizabethtown at 58.6, while Lexington-Fayette is the most expensive at 74.4—a difference of 16 index points.
Other Rankings in Kentucky
Compare Any Two Cities Side by Side
Dig deeper into salary, taxes, rent, and purchasing power for any city pair.