Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Salem, OR (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Louisville is 30% cheaper than Salem.

$1,069/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↑ 24%
$64,731/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↑ 11%
$221,500 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 73%
$1,118/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 29%
627,210
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $254/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $3,048/year.

Median household income is $7,169/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Salem — common questions

Is Louisville or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Salem?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $254/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Salem?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $7,169/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Oregon?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Salem details →

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