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Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Cincinnati, OH

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

0.0% Cincinnati, OH is cheaper overall
2.4% 2.4% 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 2.4% cheaper
Louisville
82
Cincinnati
80
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Louisville
95
Cincinnati
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Louisville
98
Cincinnati
100
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% more
Louisville
94
Cincinnati
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Louisville
100
Cincinnati
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Louisville, KY Cincinnati, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index9292~Same
Housing82802.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,000$1,0505.0% more
Median Home Price$225,000$215,0004.4% less
Groceries9596~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare94962.1% more
Utilities10098~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Louisville, KY Cincinnati, OH
State Income Tax4.00%3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.78%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Louisville, KY
$60,000
Median household income
Cincinnati, OH
$58,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati to maintain your Louisville lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Louisville4.0%
Cincinnati3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Louisville2.3%
Cincinnati2.4%
Top Industries
LouisvilleHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics
CincinnatiManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Louisville23 min
Cincinnati24 min
Walk Score
Louisville36
Cincinnati50
Air Quality (AQI)
Louisville46
Cincinnati44
Avg Temperature
Louisville57°F
Cincinnati54°F
Population
Louisville633,045
Cincinnati309,317

Moving from Louisville to Cincinnati?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Louisville and Cincinnati → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Cincinnati →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Louisville or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?+
Cincinnati is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 2.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Louisville vs Cincinnati?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,000/month in Louisville and $1,050/month in Cincinnati — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Louisville or Cincinnati?+
Kentucky has a state income tax of 4.00% and sales tax of 6.00%. Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. 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 Louisville to Cincinnati?+
Median household income in Louisville is $60,000 compared to $58,000 in Cincinnati. 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 Louisville vs Cincinnati?+
The median home price in Louisville is $225,000 versus $215,000 in Cincinnati — a difference of $10,000. Property tax rates also differ: Kentucky averages 0.78% while Ohio averages 1.41%.