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Cost of Living: Dallas, TX 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.

9.8% Louisville, KY is cheaper overall
24.1% 24.1% cheaper housing
2.1% 2.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 24.1% cheaper
Dallas
108
Louisville
82
🛒 Groceries 2.1% cheaper
Dallas
97
Louisville
95
🚗 Transportation 3.0% cheaper
Dallas
101
Louisville
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.1% cheaper
Dallas
98
Louisville
94
⚡ Utilities 3.8% cheaper
Dallas
104
Louisville
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Dallas, TX Louisville, KY Difference
Overall Cost Index102929.8% less
Housing1088224.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,400$1,00028.6% less
Median Home Price$340,000$225,00033.8% less
Groceries97952.1% less
Transportation101983.0% less
Healthcare98944.1% less
Utilities1041003.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Dallas, TX Louisville, KY
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.00%
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.78%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Dallas, TX
$72,000
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 Dallas lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Dallas (102) vs Louisville (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Dallas3.8%
Louisville4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Dallas3.4%
Louisville2.3%
Top Industries
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom
LouisvilleHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Dallas28 min
Louisville23 min
Walk Score
Dallas46
Louisville36
Air Quality (AQI)
Dallas48
Louisville46
Avg Temperature
Dallas66°F
Louisville57°F
Population
Dallas1,288,457
Louisville633,045

Moving from Dallas to Louisville?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Dallas 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dallas 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 24.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Dallas vs Louisville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,400/month in Dallas and $1,000/month in Louisville — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Dallas or Louisville?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Dallas to Louisville?+
Median household income in Dallas is $72,000 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 Dallas vs Louisville?+
The median home price in Dallas is $340,000 versus $225,000 in Louisville — a difference of $115,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Kentucky averages 0.78%.