Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Modesto

California
120

Louisville is 38% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,069/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 51%
$64,731/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 20%
$221,500 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 88%
$1,118/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 44%
627,210
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $540/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $6,480/year.

Median household income is $13,168/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Modesto — common questions

Is Louisville or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Modesto?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $540/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Modesto?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $13,168/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and California?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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