Louisville vs Bismarck for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Louisville Kentucky | Bismarck North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,300 | $1,150Better |
| Median home price | $250KBetter | $260K |
| State income tax | 4% | 2.5%Better |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6%Better | 6.8% |
| Monthly utilities | $162 | $152Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 95Better | 97 |
| Est. healthcare / month | $440 | $435Better |
| Walk score (0–100) | 34 / 100Better | 22 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 88 | 87Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Louisville or Bismarck?
Louisville and Bismarck are closely matched for retirees. Housing costs, tax burden, and overall affordability are similar. Your specific priorities — climate, walkability, family proximity — should guide the decision.
Is retirement income taxed in Louisville or Bismarck?
Bismarck has the lower state income tax rate (2.5% vs 4%). Note that many states exempt Social Security income and some pension income from state taxes even when other income is taxed — check your specific state's retirement tax rules.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Louisville vs Bismarck?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $440 in Louisville and $435 in Bismarck. That's a difference of ~$5/month, or ~$60/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Louisville on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Louisville, rent alone would consume approximately 31% of your budget (1BR rent ~$1,300/mo) and healthcare another ~11%. That leaves roughly 58% (~$2,417/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is tight — a studio apartment or lower-cost neighborhood would help.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Louisville has a higher walk score (34 vs 22 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Louisville offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Louisville has the same purchasing power as $49K/year in Bismarck
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026