Home › Compare › Minneapolis, MN vs Louisville, KY

Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN 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.

11.5% Louisville, KY is cheaper overall
24.1% 24.1% 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 24.1% cheaper
Minneapolis
108
Louisville
82
🛒 Groceries 5.9% cheaper
Minneapolis
101
Louisville
95
🚗 Transportation 7.5% cheaper
Minneapolis
106
Louisville
98
🏥 Healthcare 6.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
100
Louisville
94
⚡ Utilities 5.3% more
Minneapolis
95
Louisville
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Louisville, KY Difference
Overall Cost Index1049211.5% less
Housing1088224.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,00025.9% less
Median Home Price$330,000$225,00031.8% less
Groceries101955.9% less
Transportation106987.5% less
Healthcare100946.0% less
Utilities951005.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Louisville, KY
State Income Tax9.85% (top)4.00%
State Sales Tax6.88%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%0.78%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
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 Minneapolis lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs Louisville (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Louisville4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Louisville2.3%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
LouisvilleHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Louisville23 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Louisville36
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Louisville46
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Louisville57°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Louisville633,045

Moving from Minneapolis to Louisville?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Minneapolis 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis 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 24.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Louisville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,000/month in Louisville — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Louisville?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. 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 Minneapolis to Louisville?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 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 Minneapolis vs Louisville?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $225,000 in Louisville — a difference of $105,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Kentucky averages 0.78%.