Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Durham, NC (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Louisville is 30% cheaper than Durham.

$1,069/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 32%
$64,731/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 22%
$221,500 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 60%
$1,118/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 28%
627,210
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $343/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $4,116/year.

Median household income is $14,503/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Durham — common questions

Is Louisville or Durham 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 Durham?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $343/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Durham?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $14,503/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and North Carolina?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Durham details →

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