Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Louisville and Knoxville have a similar cost of living.

$1,069/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 4%
$64,731/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 21%
$221,500 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 3%
$1,118/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 4%
627,210
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,737/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Louisville or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Knoxville?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Knoxville?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $13,737/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Tennessee?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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