Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Toledo, OH (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Toledo

Ohio
52

Louisville is 42% more expensive than Toledo.

$1,069/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$880/mo ↓ 18%
$64,731/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$47,532/yr ↓ 27%
$221,500 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$107,000 ↓ 52%
$1,118/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$856/mo ↓ 23%
627,210
Population
268,461

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Toledo, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 52 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $189/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $2,268/year.

Median household income is $17,199/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $107,000 in Toledo.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Toledo — common questions

Is Louisville or Toledo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Toledo?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Toledo it's $880/month — a difference of $189/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Toledo?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $47,532 in Toledo. Median household income is $17,199/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Ohio?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Toledo?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Toledo has a cost index of 52 with rent of $880/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Toledo details →

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