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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Louisville is 46% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,069/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 72%
$64,731/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 31%
$221,500 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 116%
$1,118/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 60%
627,210
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $773/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $9,276/year.

Median household income is $19,886/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Louisville or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $773/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $19,886/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

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