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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Derby hats to cowboy boots? These neighboring cities both celebrate Southern culture and spirits, but their signature industries create different economic melodies.

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You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.0K in Nashville, TN

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

Nashville, TN

Population:689K
Cost Index:114
Median Home:$489K

Louisville, KY

The Bluegrass State

629K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Music City USA
  • Country music capital
  • Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Louisville, KY vs Nashville, TN

🏠Housing
24.4%
Louisville, KY
$2,131
Nashville, TN
$2,651
Difference
$520
more
📦Other
22.1%
Louisville, KY
$1,590
Nashville, TN
$1,942
Difference
$352
more
All Utilities
11.8%
Louisville, KY
$464
Nashville, TN
$519
Difference
$54.64
more
🏥Healthcare
7.7%
Louisville, KY
$564
Nashville, TN
$607
Difference
$43.37
more
🚗Transportation
2.1%
Louisville, KY
$1,311
Nashville, TN
$1,284
Difference
$27.32
less
🛒Groceries
1.0%
Louisville, KY
$959
Nashville, TN
$949
Difference
$9.99
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Nashville, TN 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$1,600
$700
1 Bed
From$970
To$1,680
$710
2 Bed
From$1,180
To$1,840
$660
3 Bed
From$1,510
To$2,350
$840
Louisville, KYZIP-level data

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

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320$2,230/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
$7,952
Monthly in Nashville, TN
$932
Difference

Home Values

Louisville
Nashville
$204K
Median Value
$489K
↑ +3.2%
YoY Change
↓ -2.1%
↑ +31.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +32.1%
$88K - $467K
Price Range
$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 140% 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

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Tennessee 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%

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%
Property Tax:0.7%

💡 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
Nashville
50 Good
Air Quality
50 Good
50.8%
Good Air Days
51.6%
98 High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🫨🌪
+2.9°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
37 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days
+2.9°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
37 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days

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

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Nashville, TN

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