Cost of Living in Louisville

Kentucky · Population: 631,818 · Updated 2026

Below Average
Cost Index
93.1
100 = US avg
Median Income
$67K
Annual household
Median Rent
$1,120/mo
2-bedroom unit
Rent Burden
20%
Income to rent ratio
Cost Category Breakdown

Indexed to national average (100)

Housing65.9
Groceries100.0
Utilities100.0
Transportation100.0
Healthcare100.0
Economic Details
Median Home Value$234K
State Income Tax4.5%
Unemployment Rate3.1%
Est. Net Income$64K/yr
Affordability Score
103
out of 100
Below national average cost
Salary Converter for Louisville

See what salary you'd need in another city to match your purchasing power in Louisville.

$75,000

About Louisville

Louisville is an affordable Mid-South city known for bourbon, horse racing, and a growing manufacturing and healthcare sector. The city offers a high quality of life at a very reasonable price.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Louisville expensive?

Louisville has a cost of living index of 93.1, where 100 represents the national average. This is close to the national average.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Louisville?

Based on a rent-to-income ratio of 30%, you'd need at least $44,800 to afford the median 2-bedroom apartment in Louisville and maintain basic expenses.

What is the median rent in Louisville?

The median 2-bedroom rent in Louisville is $1,120 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.