Fern Creek, KY vs. Jeffersontown, KY: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Fern Creek vs Jeffersontown. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Fern Creek vs Jeffersontown in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how typical rents and mortgages compare in Fern Creek and Jeffersontown:
| Housing Type | Fern Creek | Jeffersontown |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,150 | $1,350 |
| 3BR Home (Median Price) | $280,000 | $325,000 |
🏆 Winner: Fern Creek. Housing costs an average of 15-20% less in Fern Creek compared to similar homes and apartments in Jeffersontown.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a major monthly expense. In Fern Creek, expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2BR apartment. Costs are about 10% higher in Jeffersontown, averaging $200/month.
Both cities have similar climates, so heating and cooling needs are comparable. However, Jeffersontown has slightly older housing stock on average, which can mean higher energy bills.
🏆 Winner: Fern Creek. While not a huge difference, Fern Creek residents save around $240 per year on utilities compared to Jeffersontown.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are very similar between the two cities. A typical family of four might spend $800-1000 per month on groceries and household goods in either Fern Creek or Jeffersontown.
Restaurant prices are also comparable, with an average dinner out costing $12-15 per person in both cities. However, Jeffersontown does have a few more upscale dining options where prices may be 20-30% higher.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Day-to-day living costs are nearly identical in Fern Creek and Jeffersontown. Residents can expect to pay similar prices for groceries, gas, and other daily needs.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both Fern Creek and Jeffersontown have property tax rates around 0.8% of assessed value. So for a $300,000 home, expect an annual property tax bill of about $2,400 in either city.
One difference is that Jeffersontown has slightly higher local sales taxes of 7.5%, compared to 7% in Fern Creek. This can add up on large purchases.
🏆 Winner: Fern Creek. The lower sales tax rate gives Fern Creek a slight edge, especially for residents who make frequent big-ticket buys.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Fern Creek | Jeffersontown |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,150 | $1,350 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $800 | $800 |
| Transportation | $300 | $300 |
| Taxes (0.8% on $300k home) | $200 | $200 |
| Misc | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,880 | $3,100 |
Note: All income and cost figures are expressed as gross monthly amounts (pre-tax).
6. Lifestyle Fit
While costs are important, the ideal place to live also depends on your lifestyle preferences. A few key differences:
- Jeffersontown is more walkable, while Fern Creek is more car-dependent
- Fern Creek offers more space and larger lots for the money
- Jeffersontown averages 5 minutes longer commutes to most of Louisville
Overall, Fern Creek tends to be quieter and more residential, while Jeffersontown has a larger downtown area with more local businesses and amenities. But both offer a similar suburban feel.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Fern Creek more affordable than Jeffersontown?
A: Yes, Fern Creek has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing. Expect to spend about 10% less on living costs in Fern Creek.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Fern Creek has lower rental prices, with a typical 2BR apartment costing $1,150/month compared to $1,350/month in Jeffersontown.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Fern Creek has lower home prices. The median price for a 3BR house is around $280,000 in Fern Creek versus $325,000 in Jeffersontown.
8. Conclusion
While both Fern Creek and Jeffersontown offer an affordable suburban lifestyle, Fern Creek comes out ahead on overall cost of living. Cheaper housing is the biggest factor, but Fern Creek also has slightly lower utilities and sales taxes.
Jeffersontown can be a great choice for those who value walkability and don’t mind paying a bit more. But most budget-conscious families and professionals will get more for their money in Fern Creek.
Of course, the right fit also depends on your specific needs and preferences. Be sure to check out our full Cost of Living in Fern Creek, KY: Full 2025 Breakdown and Sample Monthly Budgets for Fern Creek in 2025 for more details.
⚠️ Three Surprising Cost Differences
- Childcare costs 15% less in Fern Creek
- Despite similar climates, Jeffersontown utility bills run $240 higher per year
- Jeffersontown has more high-end restaurants that can cost 20-30% more per meal