Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Louisville, KY (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Louisville

Kentucky
74

Dallas is 31% more expensive than Louisville.

$1,403/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,069/mo ↓ 24%
$67,760/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$64,731/yr ↓ 4%
$295,300 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$221,500 ↓ 25%
$1,409/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,118/mo ↓ 21%
1,299,553
Population
627,210

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Louisville, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $334/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $4,008/year.

Median household income is $3,029/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $221,500 in Louisville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Louisville — common questions

Is Dallas or Louisville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Louisville?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Louisville it's $1,069/month — a difference of $334/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Louisville?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $64,731 in Louisville. Median household income is $3,029/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Kentucky?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Louisville?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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.
View Dallas details → View Louisville details →

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