Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Louisville, KY (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Louisville

Kentucky
74

Denver is 99% more expensive than Louisville.

$1,770/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,069/mo ↓ 40%
$91,681/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$64,731/yr ↓ 29%
$586,700 ↑ 165%
Home Value
$221,500 ↓ 62%
$1,839/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,118/mo ↓ 39%
713,734
Population
627,210

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Louisville, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $701/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $8,412/year.

Median household income is $26,950/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $221,500 in Louisville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Louisville — common questions

Is Denver or Louisville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Louisville?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Louisville it's $1,069/month — a difference of $701/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Louisville?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $64,731 in Louisville. Median household income is $26,950/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Kentucky?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Louisville?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Louisville details →

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