Okolona, KY vs. Shively, KY: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Okolona vs Shively. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Okolona vs Shively in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is one of the biggest factors in the cost of living difference between Okolona and Shively. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare:
| Housing Type | Okolona | Shively |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $950 | $1,100 |
| 3BR Home (Median Price) | $180,000 | $210,000 |
🏆 Winner: Okolona
Okolona tends to have lower housing costs across the board, with apartments renting for about $150 less per month on average. Buying a home is also more affordable, with median prices around $30,000 lower than in Shively. For a deeper look at monthly expenses, read How Much It Costs to Live in Okolona Each Month.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities, with Shively coming in slightly lower:
- Okolona: $180-$220/month
- Shively: $160-$200/month
🏆 Winner: Shively
Shively’s utility costs average about $20/month less than Okolona’s. Both cities experience hot summers and cold winters, so expect higher heating and cooling bills during peak months.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices are very comparable between Okolona and Shively, with no major differences for staples like milk, eggs, bread, etc. Eating out also costs about the same, whether you’re grabbing fast food or sitting down at a local restaurant.
🏆 Winner: Tie
Taxes and Fees
Okolona has slightly lower property taxes than Shively:
- Okolona: 0.87% average property tax rate
- Shively: 0.94% average property tax rate
🏆 Winner: Okolona
HOA fees are common in both cities for maintaining shared spaces and amenities. Expect to pay around $200-300/month if your home or condo has an HOA.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Okolona | Shively |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $950 | $1,100 |
| Utilities | $200 | $180 |
| Groceries | $350 | $350 |
| Transportation | $60 | $50 |
| Taxes | $180 | $210 |
| Misc | $200 | $200 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $1,940 | $2,090 |
Lifestyle Fit
While Okolona is the more affordable city overall, Shively has some advantages in terms of lifestyle:
- Shively is more walkable and has better access to public transit
- Okolona offers more space and newer housing
- Shively is about 10 minutes closer to downtown Louisville
For a full breakdown, see Cost of Living in Okolona, KY: What You’ll Really Spend in 2025.
FAQ
Is Okolona more affordable than Shively?
Yes, the cost of living in Okolona is about 7% lower than in Shively, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Which city has lower rent?
Okolona has lower rent prices, with a typical 2BR apartment costing $950/month vs. $1,100/month in Shively.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Okolona has lower home prices, with the median 3BR house costing around $180,000 compared to $210,000 in Shively.
Conclusion
Okolona is the more budget-friendly choice, especially for those looking to rent an apartment or buy a house. However, Shively can be a great fit for commuters or anyone who values walkability. Ultimately, both cities offer a reasonable cost of living and their own unique charms.
The three most surprising cost differences between Okolona and Shively are:
- Rent prices (Okolona is $150/month cheaper)
- Home prices (Okolona is $30,000 less expensive)
- Property taxes (Okolona’s rate is 0.07% lower)
Be sure to compare cost of living breakdowns for other cities in Kentucky to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.