St Matthews is considered moderately expensive in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,650 and slightly higher grocery costs compared to the national average.
The typical monthly cost of living for a couple in St Matthews, KY is around $4,100 gross income (pre-tax) as of 2025. This factors in housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and lifestyle expenses. Let’s break down where that money goes each month.
Housing Costs in St Matthews
Housing is the biggest expense for most St Matthews residents. A mid-range 2-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,500 to $1,800 per month. Buying a 3-bedroom single-family home ranges from $350,000 to $500,000, depending on the neighborhood, with older homes on the lower end.
Popular housing options and average monthly rents in St Matthews include:
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,200
- 2-bedroom apartment: $1,650
- 3-bedroom house: $2,200
- 4-bedroom house: $2,800
Renting is more common in the central areas and near shopping districts, while the outer neighborhoods feature more single-family homes. HOA fees of $200-400 per month are typical in many planned communities and condo buildings.
Utilities and Monthly Bills
Basic utilities in St Matthews cost around $180-250 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment, including:
- Electricity: $100
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $60
- Natural Gas: $40
- Internet: $50
Air conditioning can add $50-100 to summer electric bills. Many newer apartments include water/sewer/trash in the rent. Older houses may have higher utility costs overall.
Groceries and Food
Groceries in St Matthews cost about 5% more than the national average. A single person spends around $350 per month on groceries, while a family of four averages $1,000.
Some typical grocery costs:
- Gallon of milk: $3.80
- Loaf of bread: $2.50
- Dozen eggs: $2.20
- Pound of chicken: $4.50
Dining out costs $12-15 per person for a basic meal, or $50-80 for dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant. Fast food combo meals are around $8-10.
Taxes and Fees
Kentucky’s statewide sales tax is 6%, and Jefferson County (which includes St Matthews) adds a 0.5% local tax, for a total of 6.5% on most purchases.
Property tax in St Matthews averages 0.85% of assessed home value annually. For a $400,000 house, that’s about $3,400 per year or $283 per month.
Kentucky has a flat 5% state income tax. Most salaries will also pay 7.65% in federal payroll taxes (Social Security and Medicare). So on a $50,000 salary, you’d owe about $6,325 in income taxes.
Transportation and Gas
Owning a car is common in St Matthews, as in most of suburban Kentucky. Expect to budget at least $200 per month for gas, insurance, and basic maintenance per vehicle. Gasoline averages $3.20 per gallon in 2025.
Public transit options are limited, but a monthly TARC bus pass is $50. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are available starting at about $1 per mile.
Sample Monthly Budget
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,200 | $1,650 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $180 | $250 | $400 |
| Groceries | $350 | $700 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $200 | $400 | $600 |
| Dining/Entertainment | $250 | $500 | $800 |
| Health Insurance | $300 | $600 | $1,200 |
| Taxes (Income/Property) | $800 | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Total Monthly Expenses | $3,280 | $5,600 | $8,200 |
| Comfortable Gross Income | $3,900 | $6,700 | $9,800 |
Keep in mind these are approximate 2025 costs for a modest lifestyle in St Matthews. Your specific expenses will vary based on your housing, family size, and spending habits. The “comfortable gross income” row factors in some extra savings and wiggle room.
Lifestyle and Affordability
St Matthews offers a mix of suburban convenience and small-town charm. Residents enjoy the walkable neighborhoods, good schools, and easy access to parks and shopping. The central areas tend to be pricier and more congested, while the outskirts provide more affordable space and a quieter pace.
Housing costs are the main factor in St Matthews’ higher-than-average cost of living. Choosing an older home or a smaller apartment can mean the difference between just getting by and living comfortably. Many residents find the 15-20 minute commute to downtown Louisville worthwhile for the extra space and amenities St Matthews provides.
Budgeting $4,000-5,000 in gross monthly income provides a comfortable standard of living for a childless couple in St Matthews. Families with children should aim for at least $6,000-8,000 per month. As always, the more you can trim housing and vehicle costs, the more flexible your budget will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Matthews cheaper than living in Louisville?
St Matthews is about 10-15% more expensive than Louisville on average, mainly due to higher housing costs. However, many people find the suburban amenities and school districts worth the premium.
How much do you need to make to live comfortably in St Matthews?
A single person can live comfortably in St Matthews on a gross (pre-tax) income of around $45,000 per year. For a couple, aim for at least $65,000 annually. Double-income families with children will want to budget $100,000 or more.
What’s the sales tax rate in St Matthews?
The sales tax in St Matthews is 6.5% as of 2025 – 6% for the state of Kentucky plus 0.5% for Jefferson County.
Are there any affordable neighborhoods in St Matthews?
The most affordable areas of St Matthews are concentrated on the southern and eastern edges of the city. Look for older ranch-style homes and small apartment complexes in neighborhoods like Brownsboro Zorn, Bellewood, and Cherrywood Village.
How much does it cost to buy a house in St Matthews?
A typical 3-bedroom, 2-bath house in St Matthews costs between $350,000 and $500,000 as of 2025. Larger new construction homes can reach $700,000 or more in high-end neighborhoods.
What’s the job market like in St Matthews?
St Matthews has a diverse economy anchored by healthcare, retail, and professional services. The largest employers include Baptist Health Louisville, Kindred Healthcare, and the St Matthews Mall. Many residents also commute to downtown Louisville for work.
How’s the walkability and bikeability in St Matthews?
St Matthews is fairly walkable by suburban standards, with many neighborhoods featuring sidewalks and easy access to parks, schools, and shopping. Biking is popular for recreation, but dedicated bike lanes are not widespread.
Moving to a new city is a big decision. Be sure to research moving company options to find reputable movers who can make your relocation to St Matthews as smooth as possible.