Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Louisville is 10% cheaper than Lexington.

$1,069/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↑ 3%
$64,731/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↑ 4%
$221,500 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$272,100 ↑ 23%
$1,118/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↑ 4%
627,210
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,900/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Kentucky.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Lexington — common questions

Is Louisville or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Lexington?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Lexington?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $2,900/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Kentucky?
Both cities are in Kentucky and share the same state tax rates: 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Lexington has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Lexington details →

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