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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Louisville is 29% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,069/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↑ 28%
$64,731/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 20%
$221,500 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$347,300 ↑ 57%
$1,118/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 38%
627,210
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $12,666/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Louisville or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $12,666/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and California?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,371/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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