Shepherdsville, KY vs. Jeffersontown, KY: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Louisville area and trying to decide between Shepherdsville and Jeffersontown? While Shepherdsville may have a reputation for being more affordable, a closer look reveals that Jeffersontown can be surprisingly budget-friendly depending on your lifestyle. This article breaks down the key cost of living factors to help you choose the best fit for your finances in 2025.
Housing Costs: Shepherdsville vs Jeffersontown
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and home prices compare:
| Housing Type | Shepherdsville | Jeffersontown |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $950 | $1,100 |
| 3BR House Mortgage | $1,300 | $1,450 |
| Median Home Price | $225,000 | $275,000 |
🏆 Winner: Shepherdsville. Typical housing costs are 10-20% lower in Shepherdsville compared to Jeffersontown.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another important factor. In the Louisville area, expect to pay around $150-200 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2BR apartment. Costs may be slightly higher in the winter. Both cities offer budget billing programs to help even out seasonal spikes.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are very similar between Shepherdsville and Jeffersontown.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a family of four, plan to budget around $800-1,000 per month for groceries in either city. Restaurant prices are comparable, with a typical meal out costing $12-15 per person.
🏆 Winner: Tie. There are no major differences in grocery or daily living costs.
Taxes and Fees
Both cities have similar property tax rates around 0.8-1.0% of assessed value. Jeffersontown has slightly higher city service fees, while Shepherdsville HOA fees tend to cover more amenities like trash and landscaping.
🏆 Winner: Shepherdsville. Lower city fees and HOA dues give Shepherdsville a slight edge.
Shepherdsville vs Jeffersontown Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Shepherdsville | Jeffersontown |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $950 – $1,300 | $1,100 – $1,450 |
| Utilities | $150 – $200 | $150 – $200 |
| Groceries | $800 – $1,000 | $800 – $1,000 |
| Transportation | $60 – $80 | $50 – $70 |
| Taxes & Fees | 0.8% – 1.0% | 0.9% – 1.1% |
| Misc Expenses | $200 – $400 | $200 – $400 |
| Est. Monthly Total | $2,160 – $2,980 | $2,300 – $3,120 |
Lifestyle Fit: Shepherdsville or Jeffersontown?
While Shepherdsville offers lower housing costs, Jeffersontown has advantages like more public transit options and slightly milder weather. Shepherdsville is great for those wanting more space and rural surroundings, while Jeffersontown suits those preferring a suburban feel close to city amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Shepherdsville more affordable than Jeffersontown?
A: Overall, Shepherdsville has a lower cost of living by about 5-10%, mainly due to cheaper housing. However, the difference is fairly small.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Shepherdsville rent prices are typically 10-15% lower than comparable apartments in Jeffersontown.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Median home prices in Shepherdsville are around $50,000 less than in Jeffersontown, making it more affordable for buyers.
The Bottom Line
For most lifestyles, Shepherdsville offers a lower cost of living than Jeffersontown, especially for those looking to buy a home. However, the savings are modest, so consider other factors like commute, amenities, and community fit too. Be sure to create a sample monthly budget for Shepherdsville or check the full cost of living breakdown to estimate your expenses. If you decide to make the move, compare moving company costs to get the best deal.