Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Louisville is 34% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,069/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 37%
$64,731/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 1%
$221,500 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 78%
$1,118/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 38%
627,210
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $394/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $4,728/year.

Median household income is $857/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Louisville or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $394/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $857/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and New Jersey?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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