Nicholasville, KY vs. Versailles, KY: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to central Kentucky? Here’s a rapid-fire cost of living comparison between Nicholasville and Versailles in 2025:
- 🏘️ Median home price: $220K in Nicholasville vs $280K in Versailles
- ⚡ Avg utility bill: $180/mo in Nicholasville vs $210/mo in Versailles
- 🛒 Groceries for family of 4: $800/mo in Nicholasville vs $850/mo in Versailles
- 🏫 Property tax rate: 0.85% in Nicholasville vs 0.95% in Versailles
For a detailed cost breakdown to help you choose between Nicholasville and Versailles, read on.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Nicholasville and Versailles compare for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | Nicholasville | Versailles |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $950 | $1,100 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $1,300 | $1,600 |
| Median Home Price | $220,000 | $280,000 |
🏆 Winner: Nicholasville. Housing costs an estimated 15-20% less in Nicholasville compared to Versailles.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a significant monthly expense. In Nicholasville and Versailles, expect to pay:
- Nicholasville: $180/month (avg for 1,500 sq ft home)
- Versailles: $210/month (avg for 1,500 sq ft home)
Costs are higher in winter due to heating. Budget an extra $40-60/mo in Dec-Feb. Both cities offer level pay plans to avoid seasonal spikes.
🏆 Winner: Nicholasville. Utility costs average 15% lower than in Versailles.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
For groceries and everyday goods, prices are comparable between Nicholasville and Versailles. Expect to spend around:
- $800/month on groceries for a family of 4 in Nicholasville
- $850/month on groceries for a family of 4 in Versailles
Restaurant prices are similar, with most casual meals costing $12-18 per person in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Nicholasville, but only slightly. Grocery and daily costs are about 5% lower.
4. Taxes and Fees
Don’t overlook taxes and city fees in your budget. In Nicholasville and Versailles:
- Nicholasville property tax rate: 0.85%
- Versailles property tax rate: 0.95%
- HOA fees: $150-300/mo is typical in both cities, often including amenities
🏆 Winner: Nicholasville. The lower property tax rate gives it the edge.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Nicholasville | Versailles |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR mortgage) | $1,300 | $1,600 |
| Utilities | $180 | $210 |
| Groceries | $800 | $850 |
| Transportation | $500 | $500 |
| Taxes (0.85% vs 0.95%) | $155 | $222 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,335 | $3,782 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Cost isn’t the only factor in choosing between Nicholasville and Versailles. Consider these lifestyle tradeoffs:
- Nicholasville offers more affordable space and newer construction
- Versailles has a quaint downtown with local shops and cafes
- Versailles is 15 minutes closer to Lexington for commuters
- Nicholasville tends to be quieter with more cul-de-sac neighborhoods
7. FAQ
- Q: Is Nicholasville more affordable than Versailles?
A: Yes, the cost of living is about 10-15% lower in Nicholasville across major categories like housing, utilities, and taxes. - Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Nicholasville. Renting a 2BR apartment averages $950/month compared to $1,100/month in Versailles.
- Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Nicholasville. The median home price is $220,000, compared to $280,000 in Versailles.
8. Conclusion
Nicholasville offers a lower overall cost of living than Versailles, with more affordable housing, utilities, and slightly lower taxes and daily expenses. A household moving from Versailles to Nicholasville could save $400+ per month on core costs alone.
However, Versailles may appeal more to those prioritizing a quaint downtown atmosphere or shorter commute to Lexington. Ultimately, both are attractive places to live in the Lexington area.
Budgeting for a move to Nicholasville? Check out these monthly budget examples for Nicholasville residents. Or see an overview of living costs in Nicholasville for 2025.
Considering other Kentucky cities? Browse our other cost of living comparisons for the Bluegrass State.