Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Louisville is 35% cheaper than Tampa.

$1,069/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↑ 47%
$64,731/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↑ 10%
$221,500 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$375,300 ↑ 69%
$1,118/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 39%
627,210
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $498/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $5,976/year.

Median household income is $6,571/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Tampa — common questions

Is Louisville or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Tampa?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $498/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Tampa?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $6,571/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Florida?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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