Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Louisville is 17% cheaper than Norfolk.

$1,069/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↑ 17%
$64,731/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 1%
$221,500 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$271,900 ↑ 23%
$1,118/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↑ 22%
627,210
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $177/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $2,124/year.

Median household income is $714/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Louisville or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Norfolk?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $177/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Norfolk?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $714/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Virginia?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Norfolk details →

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