Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Louisville is 21% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,069/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 11%
$64,731/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 9%
$221,500 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 33%
$1,118/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 10%
627,210
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $6,015/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Peoria — common questions

Is Louisville or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Peoria?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Peoria?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $6,015/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Illinois?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Louisville and Peoria

Louisville vs. Memphis Louisville vs. Baltimore Louisville vs. Detroit Louisville vs. Milwaukee Louisville vs. Portland Louisville vs. Albuquerque Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo