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Cost of Living: Memphis, TN 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.

7.0% Louisville, KY is more expensive overall
17.1% 17.1% more expensive housing
3.3% 3.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 17.1% more
Memphis
70
Louisville
82
🛒 Groceries 3.3% more
Memphis
92
Louisville
95
🚗 Transportation 2.1% more
Memphis
96
Louisville
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.4% more
Memphis
90
Louisville
94
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Memphis
98
Louisville
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Memphis, TN Louisville, KY Difference
Overall Cost Index86927.0% more
Housing708217.1% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,0005.3% more
Median Home Price$165,000$225,00036.4% more
Groceries92953.3% more
Transportation96982.1% more
Healthcare90944.4% more
Utilities98100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Memphis, TN Louisville, KY
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.00%
State Sales Tax7.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.78%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Memphis, TN
$48,000
Median household income
Louisville, KY
$60,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Louisville outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Memphis (86) vs Louisville (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Memphis4.8%
Louisville4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Memphis1.9%
Louisville2.3%
Top Industries
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing
LouisvilleHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Memphis24 min
Louisville23 min
Walk Score
Memphis34
Louisville36
Air Quality (AQI)
Memphis44
Louisville46
Avg Temperature
Memphis63°F
Louisville57°F
Population
Memphis633,104
Louisville633,045

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Memphis 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis or Louisville cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 17.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Memphis vs Louisville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Memphis and $1,000/month in Louisville — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Memphis or Louisville?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Memphis to Louisville?+
Median household income in Memphis is $48,000 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 Memphis vs Louisville?+
The median home price in Memphis is $165,000 versus $225,000 in Louisville — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Kentucky averages 0.78%.