Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Louisville, KY (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Louisville

Kentucky
74

New York is 124% more expensive than Louisville.

$1,779/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,069/mo ↓ 40%
$79,713/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$64,731/yr ↓ 19%
$751,700 ↑ 239%
Home Value
$221,500 ↓ 71%
$1,837/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,118/mo ↓ 39%
8,516,202
Population
627,210

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Louisville, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $710/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $8,520/year.

Median household income is $14,982/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $221,500 in Louisville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Louisville — common questions

Is New York or Louisville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Louisville?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Louisville it's $1,069/month — a difference of $710/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Louisville?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $64,731 in Louisville. Median household income is $14,982/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Kentucky?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Louisville?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/mo, while Louisville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,069/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New York details → View Louisville details →

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