Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Mesa, AZ (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Mesa

Arizona
107

Louisville is 31% cheaper than Mesa.

$1,069/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,478/mo ↑ 38%
$64,731/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$78,779/yr ↑ 22%
$221,500 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$364,300 ↑ 64%
$1,118/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,404/mo ↑ 26%
627,210
Population
507,478

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Mesa, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 107 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $409/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $4,908/year.

Median household income is $14,048/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $364,300 in Mesa.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Mesa — common questions

Is Louisville or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Mesa?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Mesa it's $1,478/month — a difference of $409/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Mesa?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $78,779 in Mesa. Median household income is $14,048/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Arizona?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Mesa has a cost index of 107 with rent of $1,478/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Mesa details →

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