Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Louisville is 69% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,069/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 157%
$64,731/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 95%
$221,500 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 370%
$1,118/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 136%
627,210
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,673/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $20,076/year.

Median household income is $61,738/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Louisville or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Cambridge?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,673/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Cambridge?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $61,738/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Massachusetts?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Cambridge details →

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