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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $583/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.0K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN area
Overall Cost
7.8%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$583
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$7.0K
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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:108
Median Home:$512K

Louisville, KY

The Bluegrass State

629K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Research Triangle
  • State capital
  • Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Louisville, KY vs Raleigh, NC

🏠Housing
15.9%
Louisville, KY
$2,131
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$338
more
📦Other
7.4%
Louisville, KY
$1,590
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$117
more
All Utilities
17.6%
Louisville, KY
$464
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$81.96
more
🏥Healthcare
6.6%
Louisville, KY
$564
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$37.17
more
🚗Transportation
2.1%
Louisville, KY
$1,311
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$27.32
less
🛒Groceries
0.0%
Louisville, KY
$959
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$0
same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Raleigh, NC 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$1,570
$670
1 Bed
From$970
To$1,640
$670
2 Bed
From$1,180
To$1,800
$620
3 Bed
From$1,510
To$2,255
$745
Louisville, KYZIP-level data

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

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400$1,880/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
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$547
Difference

Home Values

Louisville
Raleigh
$204K
Median Value
$512K
↑ +3.2%
YoY Change
↓ -0.5%
↑ +31.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +38.2%
$88K - $467K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh 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
$375
Per year
Monthly Difference
$31.25
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.3%
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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Louisville, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:0.9%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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
Raleigh
50 Good
Air Quality
46 Good
50.8%
Good Air Days
61.7%
98 High
Climate Risk
96 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+2.9°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
37 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days
+2.9°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
37 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days

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

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

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