Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Louisville is 20% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,069/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 23%
$64,731/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 36%
$221,500 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 30%
$1,118/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 19%
627,210
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $23,036/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Rochester — common questions

Is Louisville or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Rochester?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Rochester?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $23,036/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Minnesota?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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