Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Louisville is 30% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,069/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 44%
$64,731/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$64,440/yr ≈ Same
$221,500 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 47%
$1,118/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 26%
627,210
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $470/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $5,640/year.

Median household income is $291/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Louisville or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Clearwater?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $470/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Clearwater?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $291/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Florida?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Louisville and Clearwater

Louisville vs. Memphis Louisville vs. Baltimore Louisville vs. Detroit Louisville vs. Milwaukee Louisville vs. Portland Louisville vs. Albuquerque Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville