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Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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.

17.9% Louisville, KY is cheaper overall
37.9% 37.9% cheaper housing
5.9% 5.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 37.9% cheaper
Denver
132
Louisville
82
🛒 Groceries 5.9% cheaper
Denver
101
Louisville
95
🚗 Transportation 6.7% cheaper
Denver
105
Louisville
98
🏥 Healthcare 9.6% cheaper
Denver
104
Louisville
94
⚡ Utilities 4.2% more
Denver
96
Louisville
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Louisville, KY Difference
Overall Cost Index1129217.9% less
Housing1328237.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,00038.3% less
Median Home Price$540,000$225,00058.3% less
Groceries101955.9% less
Transportation105986.7% less
Healthcare104949.6% less
Utilities961004.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Louisville, KY
State Income Tax4.40%4.00%
State Sales Tax2.90%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.78%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Louisville (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Louisville4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Louisville2.3%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
LouisvilleHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Louisville23 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Louisville36
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Louisville46
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Louisville57°F
Population
Denver713,252
Louisville633,045

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver 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 37.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Louisville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,000/month in Louisville — a difference of about $620 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Louisville?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to Louisville?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Louisville?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $225,000 in Louisville — a difference of $315,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Kentucky averages 0.78%.