Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Louisville is 7% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,069/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 11%
$64,731/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 20%
$221,500 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 3%
$1,118/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 7%
627,210
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $1,392/year.

Median household income is $13,024/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Louisville or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $13,024/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Ohio?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with rent of $953/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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