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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Downey

California
169

Louisville is 56% cheaper than Downey.

$1,069/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 77%
$64,731/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 35%
$221,500 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 229%
$1,118/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 79%
627,210
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $823/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $9,876/year.

Median household income is $22,669/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Downey — common questions

Is Louisville or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Downey?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $823/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Downey?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $22,669/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Downey details →

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