Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
40% cheaper
Louisville is 40% more affordable than Washington. A $75,000 salary in Washington is equivalent to $44,901 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 · District of Columbia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Louisville has a housing index of 77 while Washington sits at 226 (national average = 100). The median home in Louisville costs $210,000 compared to $580,000 in Washington, a difference of $370,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Louisville versus $2,300 in Washington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Louisville scores 96 while Washington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Louisville (93) are lower than Washington (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Louisville is $52,238 compared to $90,842 in Washington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Louisville.
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