Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Louisville, KY (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Louisville

Kentucky
74

Chicago is 35% more expensive than Louisville.

$1,380/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,069/mo ↓ 23%
$75,134/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$64,731/yr ↓ 14%
$315,200 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$221,500 ↓ 30%
$1,502/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,118/mo ↓ 26%
2,707,648
Population
627,210

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Louisville, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $311/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $3,732/year.

Median household income is $10,403/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $221,500 in Louisville.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Louisville — common questions

Is Chicago or Louisville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Louisville?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Louisville it's $1,069/month — a difference of $311/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Louisville?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $64,731 in Louisville. Median household income is $10,403/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Kentucky?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Louisville?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Louisville 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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