Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Louisville, KY (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Louisville

Kentucky
74

Philadelphia is 15% more expensive than Louisville.

$1,323/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,069/mo ↓ 19%
$60,698/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$64,731/yr ↑ 7%
$232,400 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$221,500 ↓ 5%
$1,233/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,118/mo ↓ 9%
1,582,432
Population
627,210

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Louisville, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $254/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $3,048/year.

Median household income is $4,033/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $221,500 in Louisville.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Louisville — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Louisville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Louisville?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Louisville it's $1,069/month — a difference of $254/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Louisville?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $64,731 in Louisville. Median household income is $4,033/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Kentucky?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Louisville?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Louisville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Philadelphia and Louisville

Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas Louisville vs. Memphis Louisville vs. Baltimore Louisville vs. Detroit Louisville vs. Milwaukee Louisville vs. Portland Louisville vs. Albuquerque