Moving from Raleigh to Louisville (2026)
Louisville has a COL index of 88 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 13% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Louisville to match your Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 13% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in Louisville |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,851 |
| $50K | $43,564 |
| $60K | $52,277 |
| $75K | $65,347 |
| $80K | $69,703 |
| $100K | $87,129 |
| $120K | $104,554 |
| $150K | $130,693 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs Louisville
| Expense | Raleigh | Louisville |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,491 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $365 | $361 |
| Transport | $70 | $60 |
| Utilities | $150 | $162 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $2,548 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Louisville cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. Louisville has a cost of living index of 88 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 13% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Louisville?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to Louisville could save roughly $402/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,824/year.
What salary do I need in Louisville to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $65,347/year in Louisville. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only