Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Louisville is 33% cheaper than Raleigh.

$1,069/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↑ 37%
$64,731/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↑ 27%
$221,500 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$377,800 ↑ 71%
$1,118/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↑ 33%
627,210
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $399/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $4,788/year.

Median household income is $17,693/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Louisville or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Raleigh?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $399/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Raleigh?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $17,693/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and North Carolina?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Raleigh details →

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