Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Louisville is 44% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,069/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 60%
$64,731/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 52%
$221,500 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 119%
$1,118/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 44%
627,210
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $645/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $7,740/year.

Median household income is $33,955/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Meridian — common questions

Is Louisville or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Meridian?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $645/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Meridian?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $33,955/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Idaho?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

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