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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Louisville is 68% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,069/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 124%
$64,731/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 70%
$221,500 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 376%
$1,118/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 120%
627,210
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,326/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $15,912/year.

Median household income is $45,342/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Louisville or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,326/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $45,342/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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