Skyline of Louisville
Cost of Living: 91.2 624,444

Louisville, KY, US

Derby City with bourbon, baseball bats, and affordable Southern living.

Updated July 6, 2026
Cost of Living 91.2

Below Average vs US avg (100)

Housing Index 82.1

Affordable

Median Income $54,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.8%

Job market health

Louisville vs US Average

Cost of Living
Louisville: 91.2
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Louisville: 82.1
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Louisville: 5%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.0%
  • Sales Tax: 6.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $54,000
  • Unemployment: 3.8%
  • Population: 624,444

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 195/year
  • Summer High: 88°F
  • Winter Low: 26°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $210,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1050/mo

Cost of Living

Louisville's cost of living index is 91.2 (US average = 100).

CategoryLouisvilleNational AverageDifference
Overall91.2100-8.8%
Housing82.1100-17.9%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$210,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1050/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,313/mo
Price per Sq Ft$140

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Louisville:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$100Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating (Gas/Oil)$285Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Water$45Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$55Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$510Monthly estimate (including heating)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Louisville

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,260/mo.

Louisville Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,155/mo.

East Louisville

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $945/mo.

West Louisville

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $998/mo.

Remote Work Score

Louisville scores 124/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Good
  • Climate: 195 year (Fair)
  • Quality of Life: Good

Climate

Louisville has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January46°F26°F2.5"
April73°F41°F2.8"
July88°F63°F1.5"
October68°F44°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5%
  • Sales Tax: 6%
  • Property Tax: ~0.96% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Louisville, KY, US?

The cost of living index in Louisville is 91.2, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Louisville?

The median home price in Louisville is $210,000. The housing index is 82.1.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Louisville is approximately $1050/mo.

Does Louisville, KY have income tax?

Louisville is in KY, which has an income tax rate of 5%.

What is the climate like in Louisville?

Louisville enjoys approximately 195 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,88°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.26°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024

Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.