Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Louisville is 26% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $55,488 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Louisville has a housing index of 77 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Louisville costs $210,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $370,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Louisville versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Louisville scores 96 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Louisville (93) are lower than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Louisville is $52,238 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Louisville.
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