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Cost of Living: Portland, OR 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.

19.3% Louisville, KY is cheaper overall
40.6% 40.6% cheaper housing
7.8% 7.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 40.6% cheaper
Portland
138
Louisville
82
🛒 Groceries 7.8% cheaper
Portland
103
Louisville
95
🚗 Transportation 9.3% cheaper
Portland
108
Louisville
98
🏥 Healthcare 12.1% cheaper
Portland
107
Louisville
94
⚡ Utilities 13.6% more
Portland
88
Louisville
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Louisville, KY Difference
Overall Cost Index1149219.3% less
Housing1388240.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,00035.5% less
Median Home Price$485,000$225,00053.6% less
Groceries103957.8% less
Transportation108989.3% less
Healthcare1079412.1% less
Utilities8810013.6% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Louisville, KY
State Income Tax8.75% (top)4.00%
State Sales TaxNone (0%)6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.78%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
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 Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Louisville (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Louisville4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Louisville2.3%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
LouisvilleHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Louisville23 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Louisville36
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Louisville46
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Louisville57°F
Population
Portland652,503
Louisville633,045

Moving from Portland to Louisville?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Portland 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland 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 40.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Louisville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,000/month in Louisville — a difference of about $550 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Louisville?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Portland to Louisville?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 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 Portland vs Louisville?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $225,000 in Louisville — a difference of $260,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Kentucky averages 0.78%.