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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky

Kentucky
74

Portland is 64% more expensive than Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky.

$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/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $527/month cheaper in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky, 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/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Is Portland or Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky 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 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky it's $1,069/month — a difference of $527/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $64,731 in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky. 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/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky 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 Portland details → View Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky details →