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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.0K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN area
Overall Cost
14.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,083
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$13.0K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Louisville, KY

Population:629K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$204K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:114
Median Home:$558K

Louisville, KY

The Bluegrass State

629K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 629K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Live music capital
  • Major tech hub
  • SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Louisville, KY vs Austin, TX

🏠Housing
35.4%
Louisville, KY
$2,131
Austin, TX
$2,885
Difference
$754
more
📦Other
9.5%
Louisville, KY
$1,590
Austin, TX
$1,741
Difference
$151
more
All Utilities
16.5%
Louisville, KY
$464
Austin, TX
$541
Difference
$76.50
more
🚗Transportation
2.1%
Louisville, KY
$1,311
Austin, TX
$1,284
Difference
$27.32
less
🏥Healthcare
4.4%
Louisville, KY
$564
Austin, TX
$589
Difference
$24.78
more
🛒Groceries
0.0%
Louisville, KY
$959
Austin, TX
$959
Difference
$0
same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Louisville, KY: Louisville Occupational Tax$4,275/yr (2.9%)

Austin, TX has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$900
To$1,585
$685
1 Bed
From$970
To$1,685
$715
2 Bed
From$1,180
To$1,995
$815
3 Bed
From$1,510
To$2,525
$1,015
Louisville, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $890$1,490/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,020
Monthly in Louisville, KY
$7,998
Monthly in Austin, TX
$978
Difference

Home Values

Louisville
Austin
$204K
Median Value
$558K
↑ +3.2%
YoY Change
↓ -5%
↑ +31.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +12.6%
$88K - $467K
Price Range
$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 174% more expensive than Louisville

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$7.5K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$625
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
5.0%
Rate difference

Louisville, KY

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Kentucky State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.7%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,791/month
$105.5K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Louisville, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:0.9%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Louisville
Austin
50 Good
Air Quality
52 Moderate
50.8%
Good Air Days
42.6%
98 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+2.9°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
37 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days
+2.9°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
37 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Kentucky and Texas on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Austin, TX

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