Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Louisville is 43% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $42,656 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 San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Louisville costs $210,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $590,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Louisville versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Louisville scores 96 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Louisville (93) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Louisville is $52,238 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Louisville.
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