Mount Sterling, KY vs. Nicholasville, KY: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city gives you more for your money – Mount Sterling or Nicholasville? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison to help families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life expenses of living in Mount Sterling vs Nicholasville in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Let’s start with the biggest chunk of most budgets: housing. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs stack up:
| Housing Type | Mount Sterling | Nicholasville |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $850 | $1,100 |
| 3BR Home (Median Price) | $180,000 | $220,000 |
🏆 Winner: Mount Sterling. You’ll generally pay about 20% less for housing in Mount Sterling compared to similar options in Nicholasville.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Keeping the lights on is a bit cheaper in Mount Sterling too. Expect monthly utility bills to run:
- Mount Sterling: $120-$180
- Nicholasville: $140-$220
Both cities see higher A/C use in summer, but Mount Sterling’s municipal utility offers better off-peak rates.
🏆 Winner: Mount Sterling
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries and everyday goods cost about the same in both cities. Budget around $400/month per adult for food, toiletries, and basic household items. Eating out is also comparable, with fast casual meals around $12-15 and nice dinners $30-40 per person.
🏆 Winner: Tie
4. Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are slightly lower in Mount Sterling at 0.85% vs 0.95% in Nicholasville. HOA fees tend to be about $50/month cheaper in Mount Sterling too, often including landscaping and trash service. Vehicle taxes and registration fees are similar.
🏆 Winner: Mount Sterling
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Mount Sterling | Nicholasville |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $1,200 | $1,450 |
| Utilities | $150 | $180 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $300 | $250 |
| Taxes & Fees | $400 | $450 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,950 | $3,230 |
Note: All income and expense figures are expressed as gross monthly amounts (pre-tax).
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Mount Sterling is more affordable overall, Nicholasville offers perks like shorter commutes, more walkable neighborhoods, and a wider range of housing options. But if having more space matters, your dollar stretches further in Mount Sterling.
Nicholasville is about 5°F warmer than Mount Sterling on average. So expect higher summer cooling costs in Nicholasville but more moderate winters.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Mount Sterling more affordable than Nicholasville?
Yes, the overall cost of living in Mount Sterling is about 10% lower than Nicholasville, mainly due to cheaper housing. - Which city has lower rent?
Rents are around 20% lower in Mount Sterling. A household moving from Nicholasville to Mount Sterling might save $300 per month on a comparable apartment. - Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Mount Sterling has lower home prices and slightly lower property taxes, making it more affordable for buyers. Check out a detailed breakdown of how much it costs to live in Mount Sterling each month.
8. Conclusion
While both Mount Sterling and Nicholasville provide a high quality of life, Mount Sterling comes out ahead on affordability. It’s an especially good fit for those prioritizing more space and cheaper housing costs. However, Nicholasville can be worth the premium for certain lifestyles valuing walkability and shorter commutes.
Considering other cities too? We have detailed cost of living breakdowns for all major cities in Kentucky. And if you do decide to make the move, be sure to compare moving company costs and options to get the best deal.