Home › Compare › Chicago, IL vs Louisville, KY

Cost of Living: Chicago, IL 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
21.9% 21.9% cheaper housing
8.7% 8.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 21.9% cheaper
Chicago
105
Louisville
82
🛒 Groceries 8.7% cheaper
Chicago
104
Louisville
95
🚗 Transportation 14.0% cheaper
Chicago
114
Louisville
98
🏥 Healthcare 8.7% cheaper
Chicago
103
Louisville
94
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Chicago
101
Louisville
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Louisville, KY Difference
Overall Cost Index1079214.0% less
Housing1058221.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,00041.2% less
Median Home Price$310,000$225,00027.4% less
Groceries104958.7% less
Transportation1149814.0% less
Healthcare103948.7% less
Utilities101100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Louisville, KY
State Income Tax4.95%4.00%
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.78%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
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 Chicago lifestyle.

→
$—

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Louisville4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Louisville2.3%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
LouisvilleHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Louisville23 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Louisville36
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Louisville46
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Louisville57°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Louisville633,045

Moving from Chicago to Louisville?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago 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

Chicago vs Austin → Chicago vs Denver → Chicago vs Nashville → Louisville vs Raleigh → Louisville vs Portland → Louisville vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago 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 21.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Louisville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,000/month in Louisville — a difference of about $700 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Louisville?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% 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 Chicago to Louisville?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 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 Chicago vs Louisville?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $225,000 in Louisville — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Kentucky averages 0.78%.