Cost of Living: Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky, KY vs Baltimore, MD (2026)

Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky

Kentucky
74
VS

Baltimore

Maryland
84

Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky is 10% cheaper than Baltimore.

$1,069/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,290/mo ↑ 21%
$64,731/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$59,623/yr ↓ 8%
$221,500 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$219,300 ≈ Same
$1,118/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,333/mo ↑ 19%
627,210
Population
577,193

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.07%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky, KY and Baltimore, MD, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $221/month cheaper in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky, saving renters about $2,652/year.

Median household income is $5,108/year higher in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky is $221,500 compared to $219,300 in Baltimore.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky vs Baltimore — common questions

Is Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky or Baltimore cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky and Baltimore?
Median rent in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky is $1,069/month and in Baltimore it's $1,290/month — a difference of $221/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky or Baltimore?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky and $59,623 in Baltimore. Median household income is $5,108/year higher in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Maryland?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky or Baltimore?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with rent of $1,290/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky details → View Baltimore details →