Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky, KY (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky

Kentucky
74

Boston is 102% more expensive than Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky.

$2,093/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$1,069/mo ↓ 49%
$94,755/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$64,731/yr ↓ 32%
$710,400 ↑ 221%
Home Value
$221,500 ↓ 69%
$2,176/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,118/mo ↓ 49%
663,972
Population
627,210

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,024/month cheaper in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky, saving renters about $12,288/year.

Median household income is $30,024/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $221,500 in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky — common questions

Is Boston or Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky it's $1,069/month — a difference of $1,024/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $64,731 in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky. Median household income is $30,024/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Kentucky?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,069/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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