Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Louisville and Pittsburgh have a similar cost of living.

$1,069/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 14%
$64,731/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$64,137/yr ≈ Same
$221,500 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 13%
$1,118/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↑ 2%
627,210
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $594/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Louisville or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $594/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Pennsylvania?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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