Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Louisville is 57% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,069/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 90%
$64,731/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 76%
$221,500 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 215%
$1,118/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 94%
627,210
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $962/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $11,544/year.

Median household income is $48,907/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Louisville or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Alexandria?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $962/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Alexandria?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $48,907/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Virginia?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Alexandria details →

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