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Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Louisville, KY

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

14.0% Louisville, KY is cheaper overall
28.1% 28.1% cheaper housing
6.9% 6.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 28.1% cheaper
Atlanta
114
Louisville
82
🛒 Groceries 6.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Louisville
95
🚗 Transportation 10.1% cheaper
Atlanta
109
Louisville
98
🏥 Healthcare 7.8% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Louisville
94
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Atlanta
99
Louisville
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA Louisville, KY Difference
Overall Cost Index1079214.0% less
Housing1148228.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,00039.4% less
Median Home Price$380,000$225,00040.8% less
Groceries102956.9% less
Transportation1099810.1% less
Healthcare102947.8% less
Utilities99100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA Louisville, KY
State Income Tax5.39%4.00%
State Sales Tax4.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%0.78%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
Louisville, KY
$60,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Louisville costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Louisville to maintain your Atlanta lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs Louisville (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
Louisville4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
Louisville2.3%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
LouisvilleHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
Louisville23 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
Louisville36
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
Louisville46
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
Louisville57°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
Louisville633,045

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Atlanta and Louisville → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Louisville →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or Louisville cheaper to live in?+
Louisville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 28.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Louisville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $1,000/month in Louisville — a difference of about $650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or Louisville?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. Kentucky has a state income tax of 4.00% and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Atlanta to Louisville?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $60,000 in Louisville. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Atlanta vs Louisville?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $225,000 in Louisville — a difference of $155,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while Kentucky averages 0.78%.