Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Louisville is 37% cheaper than Virginia Beach.

$1,069/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↑ 54%
$64,731/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↑ 40%
$221,500 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$366,300 ↑ 65%
$1,118/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↑ 52%
627,210
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $580/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $6,960/year.

Median household income is $25,954/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Louisville or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $580/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $25,954/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Virginia?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,649/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Virginia Beach details →

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