Danville, KY vs. Versailles, KY: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two families, the Smiths and Johnsons, both looking to relocate to central Kentucky. The Smiths, a young couple, are considering a cozy 2-bedroom apartment in Danville. Meanwhile, the Johnsons, a family of four, have their eyes set on a spacious 3-bedroom home in Versailles.
Let’s compare their potential monthly expenses in each city:
The Smiths find a lovely apartment in Danville for $1,100 per month. Groceries for the couple typically run about $400. In Versailles, the Johnsons secure a beautiful home with a mortgage payment of $1,500. Feeding their family of four comes to around $800 monthly.
This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Danville and Versailles. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of living in these two Kentucky cities in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Danville and Versailles compare for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | Danville | Versailles |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,100 | $1,300 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $1,400 | $1,500 |
🏆 Winner: Danville
On average, housing costs about 10-15% less in Danville compared to Versailles. Check out the full breakdown of housing, groceries, taxes and more in Danville.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly comparable between the two cities. Expect monthly utility bills around:
- Electricity: $100-150
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $60-80
- Natural Gas: $40-80 (higher in winter)
- Internet: $50-80
🏆 Winner: Tie
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are slightly lower in Danville, about 5% less on average for common items. A couple can expect to spend around $400 per month on groceries in Danville, while a family of four typically spends closer to $800.
Eating out is similarly priced, with a nice dinner for two ranging from $40-80 in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Danville, but it’s close
Taxes and Fees
Both cities have comparable property tax rates around 0.8-1.0% of assessed value. Versailles has slightly higher vehicle taxes and registration fees.
🏆 Winner: Danville
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Danville | Versailles |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 10-15% cheaper | Baseline |
| Utilities | Similar | Similar |
| Groceries | 5% cheaper | Baseline |
| Transportation | Similar | Similar |
| Taxes | Slightly lower | Baseline |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,400 for a couple $3,800 for a family | $2,600 for a couple $4,100 for a family |
See the full average monthly expenses breakdown for Danville.
Lifestyle Fit
Danville offers a quaint small-town feel with a charming historic downtown district. It’s very walkable and bikeable. Traffic is rarely an issue in Danville.
Versailles has more of a suburban vibe with easy access to Lexington, better for commuters. It offers more housing options but is slightly less walkable overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Danville more affordable than Versailles?
Yes, Danville is about 10% cheaper overall, mostly due to lower housing costs.
Which city has lower rent?
Danville has lower rent, with a typical 2BR apartment around $1,100 vs. $1,300 in Versailles.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Danville also has lower home prices, with a 3BR house around $1,400/month compared to $1,500/month in Versailles.
Conclusion
While the cost of living is comparable between Danville and Versailles, Danville comes out slightly ahead for overall affordability. It’s great for those seeking a low-key small town lifestyle.
Versailles makes sense for families who value more suburban housing options and a location convenient to Lexington. Either way, both are attractive places to live in central Kentucky.
Planning a move? See our 2025 picks for the best moving companies.