Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Louisville, KY (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Louisville

Kentucky
74

Phoenix is 47% more expensive than Louisville.

$1,458/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,069/mo ↓ 27%
$77,041/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$64,731/yr ↓ 16%
$381,900 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$221,500 ↓ 42%
$1,430/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,118/mo ↓ 22%
1,624,832
Population
627,210

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Louisville, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $12,310/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $221,500 in Louisville.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Louisville — common questions

Is Phoenix or Louisville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Louisville?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Louisville it's $1,069/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Louisville?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $64,731 in Louisville. Median household income is $12,310/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Kentucky?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Louisville?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Louisville details →

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