Danville, KY vs. Nicholasville, KY: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city gives you more for your money – Danville or Nicholasville? This article provides a cost of living comparison between Danville and Nicholasville, perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of these two Kentucky cities in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare in Danville vs Nicholasville:
| Housing Type | Danville | Nicholasville |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $850 | $950 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $1,100 | $1,250 |
🏆 Winner: Danville. Housing costs an estimated $100-150 less per month in Danville compared to Nicholasville for comparable homes and apartments.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a significant monthly expense. In Danville, expect to pay around $180 for a typical apartment’s electricity, gas, water, and trash. Costs rise about 20% in the summer with air conditioning. Nicholasville utility costs average $200/month, with less seasonal variation.
🏆 Winner: Danville. Utility bills tend to be about $20/month lower in Danville vs Nicholasville.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Budget around $350-400 per month for groceries for a couple in either Danville or Nicholasville. Eating out costs 5-10% less in Danville.
🏆 Winner: Danville, but only slightly. Expect to spend $20-40 less on food in Danville each month.
Taxes and Fees
Danville’s property tax rate is 0.99%, while Nicholasville’s is 1.07%. For a $200,000 home, that’s a difference of $160 per year. Both cities have similar monthly fees for services like trash and sewer. HOA fees are uncommon in these areas.
🏆 Winner: Danville. Lower property taxes give Danville the edge, but the difference is small for most households.
Cost Summary
| Expense | Danville | Nicholasville |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR mortgage) | $1,100 | $1,250 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $380 | $400 |
| Transportation | $300 | $300 |
| Taxes & Fees (monthly) | $165 | $177 |
| Misc | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,525 | $2,727 |
Lifestyle Fit
Danville offers a quaint downtown, walkable neighborhoods, and a quieter pace of life. Nicholasville provides more shopping and dining options with a slightly longer commute to Lexington. Danville’s climate is about 5°F cooler on average than Nicholasville’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Danville more affordable than Nicholasville? Yes, Danville has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing, utilities, and taxes.
- Which city has lower rent? Danville’s rental costs are around 10% lower than Nicholasville’s for comparable apartments.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Danville’s home prices and property taxes are lower, making it more affordable for homebuyers. See average monthly expenses in Danville for more.
The Bottom Line
While both are relatively affordable, Danville offers a lower cost of living than Nicholasville for most households. Retirees and remote workers may prefer Danville’s walkability and small-town charm, while families wanting more amenities might opt for Nicholasville despite the slightly higher costs. Be sure to compare moving company costs when relocating. For more insights, check out our full cost of living guide for Danville covering housing, food, taxes and more.