Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Kent, WA (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Louisville is 49% cheaper than Kent.

$1,069/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 71%
$64,731/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 40%
$221,500 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 143%
$1,118/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 71%
627,210
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $764/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $9,168/year.

Median household income is $25,685/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Kent — common questions

Is Louisville or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Kent?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $764/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Kent?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $25,685/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Washington?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Kent details →

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