Nicholasville, KY vs. Winchester, KY: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Nicholasville vs Winchester. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Nicholasville vs Winchester in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare between Nicholasville and Winchester:
| Housing Type | Nicholasville | Winchester |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $950 | $1,100 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $280,000 | $310,000 |
🏆 Winner: Nicholasville
Nicholasville offers more affordable housing options, with lower apartment rents and home prices compared to Winchester. A household moving from Winchester to Nicholasville might save $150 per month on a 2-bedroom apartment lease.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another important consideration. In Nicholasville, expect to pay around $120 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 915 sq ft apartment. Winchester utility costs are similar, averaging $130 monthly.
Both cities experience hot summers and cool winters. Nicholasville residents often pay slightly less for summer cooling thanks to the city’s elevation and geography.
🏆 Winner: Nicholasville
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery and restaurant prices are comparable between Nicholasville and Winchester. A gallon of milk costs around $3.50 in both cities, while a meal at an inexpensive restaurant averages $12.
However, Nicholasville does have lower costs on a few everyday items. For example, a loaf of bread is about $0.25 cheaper in Nicholasville stores.
🏆 Winner: Nicholasville
4. Taxes and Fees
Nicholasville has a slightly lower property tax rate of 0.99%, compared to Winchester’s 1.05% rate. For a $300,000 home, that’s a difference of $180 per year.
Both cities charge similar fees for utilities, parking, and other services. In Nicholasville, some HOA fees include extras like landscaping and exterior maintenance.
🏆 Winner: Nicholasville
5. Cost Summary Table
| Expense Category | Nicholasville | Winchester |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $950 | $1,100 |
| Utilities | $120 | $130 |
| Groceries | $350 | $360 |
| Transportation | $60 | $55 |
| Taxes | $230 | $250 |
| Misc | $200 | $200 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $1,910 | $2,095 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Nicholasville is more affordable overall, each city has unique advantages:
- Nicholasville offers a quieter suburban feel, with more space between homes
- Winchester has better public transportation and is more walkable
- Nicholasville averages 2°F cooler than Winchester in the summer months
- Winchester is 10 miles closer to Lexington for commuters
7. FAQ
- Is Nicholasville more affordable than Winchester? Yes, Nicholasville has a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Nicholasville apartment rents are around $150 cheaper per month than Winchester.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? The median home price in Nicholasville is about $30,000 less than in Winchester.
8. Conclusion
Nicholasville is the more budget-friendly choice for most households, with meaningfully lower housing, utility, and tax costs compared to Winchester. However, some may prefer Winchester for its walkability and proximity to Lexington.
We recommend Nicholasville for young families looking to buy a home, or retirees seeking an affordable place to settle down. Winchester is ideal for commuters and those who value dense suburban amenities.
For more insights, check out our guides on Monthly Budget Examples for Nicholasville Residents and the full Cost of Living in Nicholasville (2025 Guide). You can also explore cost of living comparisons for other Kentucky cities to find your perfect fit.