Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Santa Ana, CA (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Louisville is 55% cheaper than Santa Ana.

$1,069/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 85%
$64,731/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↑ 36%
$221,500 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$657,800 ↑ 197%
$1,118/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↑ 76%
627,210
Population
311,639

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $906/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $10,872/year.

Median household income is $23,623/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Louisville or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $906/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $23,623/year higher in Santa Ana.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and California?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,975/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Santa Ana details →

More Comparisons

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