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Boston vs Louisville

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Louisville is 46% cheaper than Boston overall.Boston has a cost of living index of 162 vs Louisville at 87 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Boston costs 71% more.

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Boston
MA
162
COLI index
VS
Louisville
KY
87
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryBostonLouisvilleDifference
Overall COLI16287-46%
Housing28082-71%
Groceries112101-10%
Transport113100-12%
Healthcare112102-9%
Utilities140105-25%

Median 1BR Rent

Boston
$2,900/mo
Louisville
$1,100/mo

Median Home Price

Boston
$720,000
Louisville
$210,000

Median Household Income

Boston
$81,744
Louisville
$52,439

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Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville is cheaper to live in overall. Boston has a cost of living index of 162 while Louisville has an index of 87, where 100 represents the US national average. Louisville is 46% cheaper than Boston overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Boston is $2,900 per month compared to $1,100 in Louisville. The median home price in Boston is $720,000 versus $210,000 in Louisville. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Boston has a cost of living index of 162 and Louisville has an index of 87, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Boston, multiply by 0.54. For example a $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to approximately $40,278 in Louisville.

Boston has a median household income of $81,744 per year versus $52,439 in Louisville. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Boston to Louisville is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Louisville is 46% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.