Paris, KY vs. Versailles, KY: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Meet the Johnsons, a family of four debating a move to the Bluegrass State. They’ve narrowed it down to two charming cities: Paris and Versailles. As they crunch the numbers, they’re wondering – which town will be kinder to their budget? Let’s dive into a detailed cost of living comparison to help the Johnsons (and you!) decide.
Housing Costs
First up, let’s talk housing. The Johnsons are hoping to rent a cozy 3-bedroom home. Here’s what they can expect to pay each month:
| Housing Type | Paris | Versailles |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $850 | $900 |
| 3BR House | $1,200 | $1,350 |
🏆 Winner: Paris. Housing costs come in about 10% lower in Paris compared to Versailles.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Next, let’s factor in those pesky utility bills. In Kentucky’s humid continental climate, the Johnsons can expect to run the A/C more in summer and crank up the heat come winter. Typical monthly utility costs shake out to:
- Paris: $180
- Versailles: $200
🏆 Winner: Paris ekes out another win, with utility bills averaging about $20 less per month.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Time to talk food! The Johnsons are a hungry bunch. They’re budgeting about $800 per month for groceries, plus the occasional pizza night. Luckily, food costs are quite comparable between the two cities, with Paris coming in just a hair cheaper.
🏆 Winner: It’s nearly a tie, but Paris takes it by a nose thanks to slightly lower grocery prices.
Taxes and Fees
Ah, taxes. Can’t live with ’em, can’t move without considering ’em. Both Paris and Versailles have fairly modest property tax rates hovering around 0.8%. However, Paris has slightly lower city service fees and HOA costs.
🏆 Winner: Paris, thanks to more affordable city fees and HOAs.
Cost Summary
| Category | Paris | Versailles |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,200 | $1,350 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $800 | $820 |
| Transportation | $300 | $300 |
| Taxes & Fees | $250 | $280 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $400 |
| Est. Monthly Total | $3,130 | $3,350 |
The verdict? The Johnsons could save around $220 per month on core living costs by choosing Paris over Versailles. That’s nearly $2,700 per year – enough for a nice family vacation!
Lifestyle Fit
Of course, cost is just one piece of the puzzle. Paris offers a quaint downtown with local shops and cafes in walking distance. Versailles, meanwhile, provides a bit more elbow room and newer housing stock, but with longer commutes. Paris averages about 5°F cooler than Versailles in July.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Paris more affordable than Versailles?
A: Yes, Paris comes out ahead on housing, utilities, and taxes, making it a more budget-friendly pick overall.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Rental costs are about 10% cheaper in Paris vs Versailles for comparable homes and apartments.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Paris has a slight edge on home prices and property taxes, so buying is more affordable there.
The Bottom Line
For the budget-minded Johnsons, Paris is the clear winner, offering solid savings on monthly expenses compared to Versailles. But the choice ultimately comes down to lifestyle priorities too. We recommend visiting both cities to get a feel for the vibe before making a decision. And if you need help with the move itself, see our 2025 moving company picks.