Is Louisville, KY cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Louisville, KY is 46.4% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $3482 per month.

What salary do I need in Louisville, KY to live like I do in New York, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $108,214.286 in Louisville, KY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Louisville, KY?

Housing in Louisville, KY is 72.1% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,180/month in Louisville, KY compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from New York, NY to Louisville, KY?

Moving from New York, NY to Louisville, KY could save you approximately $3482 per month, or $41786 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

New York, NY

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Louisville, KY

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.5K/month moving to Louisville, KY

$150.0K in your current city equals $108.2K in Louisville, KY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 46.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,482

Savings

Annual Impact

$41.8K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.05M

Louisville, KY

Population:629K

Cost Index:54

Median Home:$204K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

Louisville, KY

The Bluegrass State

629K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: New York, NY vs Louisville, KY

Category	New York, NY	Louisville, KY	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$2,131/mo	↓ $5,517less	72.1%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $444less	21.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,311/mo	↓ $291less	18.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$959/mo	↓ $206less	17.7%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$464/mo	↓ $136less	22.6%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$564/mo	↓ $124less	18.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 72.1%

New York, NY

$7,648

Louisville, KY

$2,131

Difference

$5,517

less

📦Other

↓ 21.8%

New York, NY

$2,034

Louisville, KY

$1,590

Difference

$444

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.2%

New York, NY

$1,602

Louisville, KY

$1,311

Difference

$291

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 17.7%

New York, NY

$1,165

Louisville, KY

$959

Difference

$206

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 22.6%

New York, NY

$600

Louisville, KY

$464

Difference

$136

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.0%

New York, NY

$688

Louisville, KY

$564

Difference

$124

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

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

Net difference-$1,414/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,120

To$900

↓ $2,220

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$970

↓ $2,300

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$1,180

↓ $2,410

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$1,510

↓ $2,990

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/mo

Louisville, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $890–$1,490/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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$7,020

Monthly in Louisville, KY

$6,717

Difference

Home Values

New York

Louisville

$1.05M

Median Value

$204K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↑ +3.2%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +31.2%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$88K - $467K

Homes in Louisville are 81% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Louisville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$170

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

Additional Tax Information

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

Louisville, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.