Home › Compare › Philadelphia, PA vs Louisville, KY

Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

14.8% Louisville, KY is cheaper overall
25.5% 25.5% cheaper housing
10.4% 10.4% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 25.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
110
Louisville
82
🛒 Groceries 10.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Louisville
95
🚗 Transportation 12.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Louisville
98
🏥 Healthcare 10.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Louisville
94
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Louisville
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Louisville, KY Difference
Overall Cost Index1089214.8% less
Housing1108225.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,00033.3% less
Median Home Price$280,000$225,00019.6% less
Groceries1069510.4% less
Transportation1129812.5% less
Healthcare1059410.5% less
Utilities1081007.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Louisville, KY
State Income Tax3.07%4.00%
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%0.78%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
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 Philadelphia lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Louisville (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Louisville4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Louisville2.3%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
LouisvilleHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Louisville23 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Louisville36
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Louisville46
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Louisville57°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Louisville633,045

Moving from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philadelphia 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 25.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Louisville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,000/month in Louisville — a difference of about $500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Louisville?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia to Louisville?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Louisville?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $225,000 in Louisville — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Kentucky averages 0.78%.