Moving from St. Louis to Louisville (2026)

Louisville has a COL index of 88 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 1% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$23 more/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline

Key differences

COL index
8788
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,300$1,300
per month
State tax
4.7%4%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,447$4,491
per month

Salary needed in Louisville to match your St. Louis lifestyle

Based on the 1% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in St. LouisEquivalent in Louisville
$40K$40,460
$50K$50,575
$60K$60,690
$75K$75,862
$80K$80,920
$100K$101,149
$120K$121,379
$150K$151,724

Monthly budget at $75K — St. Louis vs Louisville

ExpenseSt. LouisLouisville
Monthly take-home$4,447$4,491
1BR rent$1,300$1,300
Groceries$369$361
Transport$75$60
Utilities$162$162
Internet$60$60
Left after essentials$2,481$2,548

Frequently asked questions

Is Louisville cheaper than St. Louis?

No. Louisville has a cost of living index of 88 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). That's about 1% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from St. Louis to Louisville?

On a $75K salary, moving from St. Louis to Louisville could save roughly $23/month on core expenses. That's ~$276/year.

What salary do I need in Louisville to match my St. Louis lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Louis, you'd need roughly $75,862/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