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Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Sacramento, CA

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

28.3% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
73.2% 73.2% more expensive housing
9.5% 9.5% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 73.2% more
Louisville
82
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 9.5% more
Louisville
95
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 14.3% more
Louisville
98
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 14.9% more
Louisville
94
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Louisville
100
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Louisville, KY Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index9211828.3% more
Housing8214273.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,000$1,65065.0% more
Median Home Price$225,000$450,000100.0% more
Groceries951049.5% more
Transportation9811214.3% more
Healthcare9410814.9% more
Utilities100100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Louisville, KY Sacramento, CA
State Income Tax4.00%13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.78%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Louisville, KY
$60,000
Median household income
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Sacramento outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Sacramento to maintain your Louisville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Louisville (92) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Louisville4.0%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Louisville2.3%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
LouisvilleHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Louisville23 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Louisville36
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Louisville46
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Louisville57°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Louisville633,045
Sacramento524,943

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Louisville or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Louisville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 73.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Louisville vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,000/month in Louisville and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Louisville or Sacramento?+
Kentucky has a state income tax of 4.00% and sales tax of 6.00%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Sacramento?+
Median household income in Louisville is $60,000 compared to $78,000 in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?+
The median home price in Louisville is $225,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $225,000. Property tax rates also differ: Kentucky averages 0.78% while California averages 0.71%.