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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Ontario

California
152

Louisville is 51% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,069/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 79%
$64,731/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 28%
$221,500 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 156%
$1,118/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 76%
627,210
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $847/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $10,164/year.

Median household income is $18,075/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Ontario — common questions

Is Louisville or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Ontario?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $847/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Ontario?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $18,075/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Louisville and Ontario

Louisville vs. Memphis Louisville vs. Baltimore Louisville vs. Detroit Louisville vs. Milwaukee Louisville vs. Portland Louisville vs. Albuquerque Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa