City vs city
Chicago, IL vs Louisville, KY
- Rent is 29% lower in Louisville (median $1,120/mo vs $1,440/mo in Chicago).
- Homes cost 43% less in Louisville ($234k vs $334k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $409 more a month after taxes and rent in Louisville.
- Schools rate higher in Louisville (3.2/10 vs 2.4/10).
- Chicago has less violent crime (4.2 vs 9 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Louisville has milder winters (35°F vs 26°F average).
| Chicago | Louisville | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,440/mo | $1,120/mo |
| Median home value | $334k | $234k |
| Median household income | $78k | $67k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,395 | $3,804 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 2.4/10 | 3.2/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.2× the US rate | 2.5× the US rate |
| Summer average | 85°F | 88°F |
| Winter average | 26°F | 35°F |
| Sunny days a year | 189 | 193 |
| Walk score | 77 | 33 |
| Population | 2,711,226 | 631,818 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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