Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Louisville, KY (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Louisville

Kentucky
74

Portland is 64% more expensive than Louisville.

$1,596/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,069/mo ↓ 33%
$88,792/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$64,731/yr ↓ 27%
$557,600 ↑ 152%
Home Value
$221,500 ↓ 60%
$1,771/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,118/mo ↓ 37%
642,715
Population
627,210

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.0%
0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Louisville, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $527/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $6,324/year.

Median household income is $24,061/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $221,500 in Louisville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Louisville — common questions

Is Portland or Louisville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Louisville?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Louisville it's $1,069/month — a difference of $527/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Louisville?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $64,731 in Louisville. Median household income is $24,061/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Kentucky?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Louisville?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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.
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