Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
30% cheaper
Louisville is 30% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $52,500 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 · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Louisville has a housing index of 77 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Louisville costs $210,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $270,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Louisville versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Louisville scores 96 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Louisville (93) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Louisville is $52,238 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Louisville.
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