Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Louisville, KY (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Louisville

Kentucky
74

Los Angeles is 153% more expensive than Louisville.

$1,879/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$1,069/mo ↓ 43%
$80,366/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$64,731/yr ↓ 19%
$879,500 ↑ 297%
Home Value
$221,500 ↓ 75%
$2,055/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,118/mo ↓ 46%
3,857,897
Population
627,210

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Louisville, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $810/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $9,720/year.

Median household income is $15,635/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $221,500 in Louisville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Louisville — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Louisville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Louisville?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Louisville it's $1,069/month — a difference of $810/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Louisville?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $64,731 in Louisville. Median household income is $15,635/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Kentucky?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Louisville?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Louisville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Louisville

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix Louisville vs. Memphis Louisville vs. Baltimore Louisville vs. Detroit Louisville vs. Milwaukee Louisville vs. Portland Louisville vs. Albuquerque