Living in Shively, KY, a suburb of Louisville, costs around $3,800 per month for a couple to live comfortably as of 2025. For a family of four, budget closer to $5,200 monthly. These figures represent total pre-tax income needed to afford typical expenses like housing, food, utilities, and transportation in Shively.
Housing Costs in Shively
Housing is the biggest expense for most Shively residents. Typical housing options include apartments, single-family homes, and townhouses. Renting a basic 2-bedroom apartment averages around $1,100-$1,400 per month. Buying a 3-bedroom single-family house usually falls in the $250,000-$350,000 range, or about $1,500-$2,100 monthly including taxes and insurance.
Costs vary by neighborhood. Newer developments like Parkway Village tend to have higher prices and HOA fees around $200-$300 per month. Older neighborhoods near Dixie Highway or Crums Lane offer lower housing costs but fewer amenities. Renting is more common than buying in Shively overall.
For comparison, here are some typical Shively housing costs at a glance:
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $650 – $900 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | $1,100 – $1,400 |
| 3-Bedroom House (Rented) | $1,300 – $1,800 |
| 3-Bedroom House (Owned) | $1,500 – $2,100 |
Utility Costs
In addition to rent or mortgage, Shively residents pay for basic utilities like electricity, natural gas, water, and internet. Combined, these usually cost $300-$500 per month for a typical apartment or small home. Larger houses have higher utility bills.
Expect to pay around $100-$150 monthly for electricity, $50-$80 for natural gas, $60-$100 for water and sewer, and $60-$80 for internet. Utility costs are highest in summer due to air conditioning. Many homes lack good insulation, making them less energy-efficient.
Groceries and Food
Groceries for a single person in Shively cost around $300-$400 per month on average, not including dining out. For a couple, estimate $600-$800. A family of four should budget $800-$1,000 or more.
A typical basket of groceries in Shively might include:
- 1 gallon of milk – $3.50
- 1 dozen eggs – $2.00
- 1 lb ground beef – $5.00
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast – $4.50
- 1 lb apples – $2.00
Shively has a few main supermarkets like Kroger and Save a Lot, plus some local markets and convenience stores. Restaurant prices are reasonable, with a basic meal out costing $12-$18 per person on average.
Taxes and Fees
Kentucky’s statewide sales tax is 6%, and there are no additional local sales taxes in Shively or Jefferson County. Property tax rates in Shively average 0.85% of assessed home value annually, with slight variation by neighborhood.
Shively residents who work in Louisville may have to pay a local income tax of 1.45% to 2.2% on top of state and federal taxes. Those who work in Shively or elsewhere in Jefferson County outside Louisville can avoid this.
Some neighborhoods have monthly HOA fees, typically:
| Home Type | Typical HOA Fee |
|---|---|
| Apartment/Condo | $150 – $250 |
| Townhouse | $200 – $300 |
| Single-Family Home | $50 – $150 (if any) |
Transportation Costs
Shively is a car-dependent suburb, so transportation costs mainly include gas, car payments, insurance, and maintenance. Expect to spend $300-$600 per month per vehicle. Carpooling or using public transit can lower costs.
Gas prices in Shively average $3.20 per gallon as of 2025. Insurance costs vary but budget at least $100 per month for basic coverage. Maintenance costs depend on vehicle age and condition.
Public transportation via TARC buses is available in Shively, with fares starting at $1.75. However, routes and schedules are limited. Typical commute times to downtown Louisville jobs range from 20-40 minutes each way.
Monthly Budget Summary
Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for living in Shively:
| Expense Category | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $800 | $1,300 | $1,600 |
| Utilities | $250 | $350 | $450 |
| Groceries | $350 | $700 | $900 |
| Transportation | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $800 |
| Other Necessities | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Monthly Total | $2,500 | $4,150 | $5,350 |
| Annual Income Needed | $30,000 | $49,800 | $64,200 |
Note these figures are approximate and pre-tax. Depending on lifestyle, actual budgets may be higher or lower. To live comfortably, a couple in Shively should aim for a minimum annual gross income around $50,000. For a family of four, $65,000 or more is advisable.
Lifestyle Considerations
Shively offers an affordable suburban lifestyle with tradeoffs. Homes are cheaper than in most of Louisville but tend to be older and smaller. Yards are common but not always large. Amenities like parks, pools, and playgrounds vary by neighborhood.
Commuting is a factor for many residents. Shively is centrally located but not very walkable. Driving is the norm, and traffic can be heavy at peak times. Bus service is available but not comprehensive.
Schools in Shively are generally decent but not top-ranked. Families who prioritize education may prefer certain neighborhoods or consider private schools, which adds to budgets. Childcare is another major expense, averaging $600-$1000 per child per month.
Overall, Shively suits those seeking an economical place to live near Louisville jobs and amenities. It’s more affordable than most suburbs but lacks the prestige and convenience of pricier areas. With smart budgeting, it’s possible to live well in Shively on a moderate income.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What salary do you need to live in Shively?
A single person can get by on around $30,000 per year in Shively. For a couple, aim for at least $50,000 annually. Families with children will need $65,000 or more to live comfortably. - Is Shively cheaper than Louisville?
Yes, Shively is generally 10-20% less expensive than Louisville proper. Housing costs are the biggest difference, with Shively offering lower rents and home prices on average. - What bills do I need to budget for in Shively?
The main monthly expenses in Shively are housing, utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities like clothing and hygiene items. Some homes have additional HOA fees.
- How much is the average rent in Shively?
As of 2025, average rent for a 1-bedroom in Shively is $650-$900. A 2-bedroom runs $1,100-$1,400. Larger apartments and single-family home rentals cost $1,300-$1,800 monthly. - Are there ways to save money living in Shively?
You can reduce expenses in Shively by choosing a smaller home, using public transit or carpooling, cooking at home vs. dining out, and being energy-efficient to lower utility bills. Comparison shopping for things like insurance and phone plans also helps.