Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Louisville is 9% more affordable than Charlotte. A $75,000 salary in Charlotte is equivalent to $68,250 in Louisville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Kentucky salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Louisville sits at 77 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $210,000 in Louisville, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,100 in Louisville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charlotte scores 101 while Louisville scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Louisville (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $52,238 in Louisville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Louisville.
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