Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Louisville is 14% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $64,387 in Louisville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Kentucky salaries · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Louisville has a housing index of 77 while Madison sits at 115 (national average = 100). The median home in Louisville costs $210,000 compared to $340,000 in Madison, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Louisville versus $1,400 in Madison.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Louisville scores 96 while Madison scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Louisville (93) are lower than Madison (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Louisville is $52,238 compared to $67,565 in Madison. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Louisville.
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