Washington DC vs Louisville
Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data
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Louisville is 43% cheaper than Washington DC overall.Washington DC has a cost of living index of 152 vs Louisville at 87 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing — Washington DC costs 67% more.

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Washington DC
DC
152
COLI index
VS
Louisville
KY
87
COLI index
Category Breakdown
| Category | Washington DC | Louisville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall COLI | 152 | 87 | -43% |
| Housing | 252 | 82 | -67% |
| Groceries | 110 | 101 | -8% |
| Transport | 112 | 100 | -11% |
| Healthcare | 105 | 102 | -3% |
| Utilities | 115 | 105 | -9% |
Median 1BR Rent
Washington DC
$2,400/mo
Louisville
$1,100/mo
Median Home Price
Washington DC
$640,000
Louisville
$210,000
Median Household Income
Washington DC
$93,511
Louisville
$52,439
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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.