Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Louisville is 18% cheaper than Spokane.

$1,069/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↑ 7%
$64,731/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↑ 2%
$221,500 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$326,200 ↑ 47%
$1,118/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↑ 8%
627,210
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $72/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $864/year.

Median household income is $1,014/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Spokane — common questions

Is Louisville or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Spokane?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $72/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Spokane?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $1,014/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Washington?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Spokane details →

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