Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Louisville is 29% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,069/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 32%
$64,731/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 4%
$221,500 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 53%
$1,118/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 36%
627,210
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $346/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $4,152/year.

Median household income is $2,813/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Worcester — common questions

Is Louisville or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Worcester?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $346/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Worcester?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $2,813/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Massachusetts?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Worcester details →

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