Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Baltimore, MD (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Baltimore

Maryland
84

Louisville is 10% cheaper than Baltimore.

$1,069/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,290/mo ↑ 21%
$64,731/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$59,623/yr ↓ 8%
$221,500 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$219,300 ≈ Same
$1,118/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,333/mo ↑ 19%
627,210
Population
577,193

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.07%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Baltimore, MD, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $221/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $2,652/year.

Median household income is $5,108/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $219,300 in Baltimore.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Baltimore — common questions

Is Louisville or Baltimore cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Baltimore?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Baltimore it's $1,290/month — a difference of $221/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Baltimore?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $59,623 in Baltimore. Median household income is $5,108/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Maryland?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Baltimore?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with rent of $1,290/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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