Louisville, KY vs Irvine, CA: 74 vs 256

$1,069/mo ↓ 63%

Median Rent

$2,893/mo ↑ 171%

$64,731/yr ↓ 50%

Median Income

$129,647/yr ↑ 100%

$221,500 ↓ 80%

Home Value

$1,115,400 ↑ 404%

$1,118/mo ↓ 62%

Owner Costs

$2,904/mo ↑ 160%

627,210

Population

308,160

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,824/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $21,888/year.

Median household income is $64,916/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Irvine — common questions

Is Louisville or Irvine cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 256 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Louisville and Irvine?

Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,824/month.

Which city has higher income, Louisville or Irvine?

Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $64,916/year higher in Irvine.

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 Irvine?

It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Louisville

Irvine

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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