Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Louisville is 30% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,069/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 11%
$64,731/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 19%
$221,500 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 42%
$1,118/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 18%
627,210
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $12,480/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Evansville — common questions

Is Louisville or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Evansville?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $120/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Evansville?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $12,480/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Indiana?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Louisville and Evansville

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