salaryBowling Green is the 3rd-largest city in Kentucky that we track, with 75,388 residents. Rent is lower than in 80% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 4.6 years of household income. Commutes are short, about 17.8 minutes. Most households rent (63%), so there are plenty of rental options.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $45,280 a year. That is $22 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Kentucky cities?
Yes. Rent here is cheaper than in most of Kentucky. It is number 39 of 87 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Bowling Green?
Share of households by yearly income. 13.4% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Bowling Green
| Size | Bowling Green | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $958 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $882 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,056 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,277 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,648 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Bowling Green overall?
Everyday prices in the Bowling Green metro area are 10% below the U.S. average (index 90.2, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Bowling Green
Life in Bowling Green
What jobs pay in Bowling Green
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $134,980 | 10.1% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $112,970 | 12.0% |
| Software Developer | $100,650 | 13.5% |
| Lawyer | $96,830 | 14.0% |
| Civil Engineer | $96,260 | 14.1% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $82,290 | 16.5% |
| Registered Nurse | $79,120 | 17.2% |
| Dental Hygienist | $75,690 | 17.9% |
| Accountant | $71,540 | 19.0% |
| Operations Manager | $71,170 | 19.1% |
| Plumber | $64,260 | 21.1% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,260 | 22.2% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $60,830 | 22.3% |
| Police Officer | $60,550 | 22.4% |
| Market Research Analyst | $60,200 | 22.6% |
| Electrician | $55,740 | 24.4% |
| HVAC Technician | $55,230 | 24.6% |
| Truck Driver | $53,450 | 25.4% |
| Carpenter | $52,680 | 25.8% |
| Medical Assistant | $39,270 | 34.6% |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,340 | 35.4% |
| Warehouse Worker | $38,040 | 35.7% |
| Customer Service Representative | $37,970 | 35.8% |
| Firefighter | $35,240 | 38.5% |
| Restaurant Cook | $31,040 | 43.8% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $28,810 | 47.2% |
| Cashier | $28,540 | 47.6% |
| Retail Salesperson | $28,430 | 47.8% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Bowling Green?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $546 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $241,900 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $24,190 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Bowling Green, KY?
Renting in Bowling Green costs a median of about $1,132 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Kentucky median is $1,175.
How much do I need to make to live in Bowling Green?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $45,280 a year, or $22 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Bowling Green cheap or expensive?
Bowling Green is rated OK: rent takes 25.8% of the typical household income of $52,710. It ranks 39th cheapest of 87 Kentucky cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Bowling Green?
The median homeowner in Bowling Green pays $1,807 a year in property taxes, about 0.75% of the median home value.
Is Bowling Green more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 10% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Bowling Green?
The median home value in Bowling Green is $241,900, about 4.6 times the typical yearly household income.
75,388 people live in Bowling Green. Numbers are typical (middle) values.