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Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

31.9% Louisville, KY is cheaper overall
52.3% 52.3% cheaper housing
13.6% 13.6% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 52.3% cheaper
Boston
172
Louisville
82
🛒 Groceries 13.6% cheaper
Boston
110
Louisville
95
🚗 Transportation 16.9% cheaper
Boston
118
Louisville
98
🏥 Healthcare 18.3% cheaper
Boston
115
Louisville
94
⚡ Utilities 10.7% cheaper
Boston
112
Louisville
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Louisville, KY Difference
Overall Cost Index1359231.9% less
Housing1728252.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$1,00061.5% less
Median Home Price$700,000$225,00067.9% less
Groceries1109513.6% less
Transportation1189816.9% less
Healthcare1159418.3% less
Utilities11210010.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Louisville, KY
State Income Tax9.00% (top)4.00%
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%0.78%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
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 Boston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Louisville (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Louisville4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Louisville2.3%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
LouisvilleHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Louisville23 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Louisville36
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Louisville46
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Louisville57°F
Population
Boston675,647
Louisville633,045

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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 Boston 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 52.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Louisville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $1,000/month in Louisville — a difference of about $1,600 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Louisville?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Boston to Louisville?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Louisville?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $225,000 in Louisville — a difference of $475,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while Kentucky averages 0.78%.