Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
Louisville is 29% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $53,320 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Louisville has a housing index of 77 while Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Louisville costs $210,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $240,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Louisville versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Louisville scores 96 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Louisville (93) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Louisville is $52,238 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Louisville.
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