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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $1.7K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $170.0K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN area
Overall Cost
22.2%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,667
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$20.0K
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

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:122
Median Home:$513K

Louisville, KY

The Bluegrass State

629K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Semi-arid

Notable Facts

  • Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
  • Outdoor recreation hub
  • Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Louisville, KY vs Denver, CO

🏠Housing
52.4%
Louisville, KY
$2,131
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,117
more
📦Other
11.6%
Louisville, KY
$1,590
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$184
more
🚗Transportation
11.5%
Louisville, KY
$1,311
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$150
more
🛒Groceries
7.3%
Louisville, KY
$959
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$69.95
more
🏥Healthcare
12.1%
Louisville, KY
$564
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$68.15
more
All Utilities
11.8%
Louisville, KY
$464
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$54.64
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Louisville, KY: Louisville Occupational Tax$4,275/yr (2.9%)
Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)
Net difference-$4,206/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$900
To$1,720
$820
1 Bed
From$970
To$1,840
$870
2 Bed
From$1,180
To$2,190
$1,010
3 Bed
From$1,510
To$2,870
$1,360
Louisville, KYZIP-level data

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

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620$2,540/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
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$1,645
Difference

Home Values

Louisville
Denver
$204K
Median Value
$513K
↑ +3.2%
YoY Change
↓ -4.2%
↑ +31.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +13%
$88K - $467K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 151% more expensive than Louisville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$900
Per year
Monthly Difference
$75.00
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.6%
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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Colorado State Tax
Effective: 4.4%
$6.6K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.1%
$43.6K
Take-Home Pay
$8,866/month
$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Louisville, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:0.9%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%
Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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
Denver
50 Good
Air Quality
55 Moderate
50.8%
Good Air Days
35.2%
98 High
Climate Risk
95 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌪💨
+2.9°F
2050 Outlook
+3.3°F
37 days
Heat Days >95°F
28 days
+2.9°F
2050 Outlook
+3.3°F
37 days
Heat Days >95°F
28 days

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

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Denver, CO

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