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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Louisville is 41% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,069/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 49%
$64,731/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 30%
$221,500 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 105%
$1,118/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 56%
627,210
Population
220,482

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $528/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $6,336/year.

Median household income is $19,126/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Louisville or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $528/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Tacoma?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $19,126/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Louisville and Tacoma

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