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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Fresno

California
101

Louisville is 27% cheaper than Fresno.

$1,069/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,324/mo ↑ 24%
$64,731/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$66,804/yr ↑ 3%
$221,500 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$348,500 ↑ 57%
$1,118/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,391/mo ↑ 24%
627,210
Population
543,615

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
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Fresno, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 101 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $255/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $3,060/year.

Median household income is $2,073/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $348,500 in Fresno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Fresno — common questions

Is Louisville or Fresno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Fresno?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Fresno it's $1,324/month — a difference of $255/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Fresno?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $66,804 in Fresno. Median household income is $2,073/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Fresno has a cost index of 101 with rent of $1,324/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Fresno details →

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