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Cost of Living: Houston, 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.

4.2% Louisville, KY is cheaper overall
10.9% 10.9% cheaper housing
1.1% 1.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 10.9% cheaper
Houston
92
Louisville
82
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Houston
94
Louisville
95
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Houston
100
Louisville
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Houston
95
Louisville
94
⚡ Utilities 5.7% cheaper
Houston
106
Louisville
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Houston, TX Louisville, KY Difference
Overall Cost Index96924.2% less
Housing928210.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,200$1,00016.7% less
Median Home Price$295,000$225,00023.7% less
Groceries9495~Same
Transportation10098~Same
Healthcare9594~Same
Utilities1061005.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Houston, 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

Houston, TX
$67,000
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 Houston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Houston (96) vs Louisville (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Houston4.5%
Louisville4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Houston3.1%
Louisville2.3%
Top Industries
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace
LouisvilleHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Houston30 min
Louisville23 min
Walk Score
Houston33
Louisville36
Air Quality (AQI)
Houston52
Louisville46
Avg Temperature
Houston70°F
Louisville57°F
Population
Houston2,304,580
Louisville633,045

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Houston 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 Houston 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 10.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Houston vs Louisville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,200/month in Houston and $1,000/month in Louisville — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Houston 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 Houston to Louisville?+
Median household income in Houston is $67,000 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 Houston vs Louisville?+
The median home price in Houston is $295,000 versus $225,000 in Louisville — a difference of $70,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Kentucky averages 0.78%.