Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Louisville is 48% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,069/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 63%
$64,731/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 33%
$221,500 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 147%
$1,118/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 55%
627,210
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $677/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $8,124/year.

Median household income is $21,058/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Louisville or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Lakewood?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $677/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Lakewood?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $21,058/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Colorado?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Louisville and Lakewood

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