Cost of Living Comparison for Louisville, KY
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Louisville's cost of living index is 87 — 13% cheaper than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Louisville local data
How Louisville Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Louisville stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Louisville, KY | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $235,000 | $420,800 | -44.2% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $895 | $1,713 | -47.8% |
| Median Household Income | $59,600 | $74,580 | -20.1% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.83% | 1.10% | -24.5% |
| Cost of Living Index | 87 | 100 | -13.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Louisville Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 1,410,000
- Unemployment
- 3.8%
- Avg Commute
- 23 min
- Median Age
- 37.3
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 21.9x
- Annual Property Tax
- $1,951
Cost of Living Comparison in Other Kentucky Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Louisville
What is the median home price in Louisville, KY?
The median home price in Louisville is $235,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Louisville?
Median monthly rent in Louisville is $895. That works out to $10,740/year, or 18% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Louisville affordable?
Louisville's cost of living index is 87 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $59,600/year and a median home price of $235,000, the price-to-income ratio is 3.9x. Louisville remains relatively affordable compared to many US metros.
What is the property tax rate in Louisville?
The effective property tax rate in Louisville is 0.83% of assessed value. On the median home of $235,000, that's roughly $1,951/year ($163/month).