Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Louisville is 41% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,069/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 79%
$64,731/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 44%
$221,500 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 79%
$1,118/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 42%
627,210
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $848/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $10,176/year.

Median household income is $28,640/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Surprise — common questions

Is Louisville or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Surprise?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $848/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Surprise?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $28,640/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Arizona?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Surprise details →

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