St Matthews, KY vs. Louisville, KY: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Louisville area? Here’s a rapid-fire cost comparison between St Matthews and Louisville in 2025:
- 🏠 Median home price: $325K in St Matthews vs $280K in Louisville
- 🛋️ Average 2BR rent: $1,450 in St Matthews vs $1,250 in Louisville
- ⚡ Typical utility bills: $180/month in St Matthews vs $200/month in Louisville
- 🥑 Grocery costs: 5% lower in St Matthews
- 💸 Property taxes: 0.85% in St Matthews vs 1.1% in Louisville
For a detailed cost of living breakdown, read on. This comparison is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone weighing the real-life expenses of St Matthews vs Louisville.
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Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between St Matthews and Louisville. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare:
| Housing Type | St Matthews | Louisville |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $325,000 | $280,000 |
| Estimated Mortgage | $1,950/month | $1,680/month |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,250 |
🏆 Winner: Louisville. Buying a home or renting an apartment is notably cheaper in Louisville compared to St Matthews.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, gas, water and trash in a typical St Matthews home. In Louisville, the same utility bundle averages $200 monthly.
Both cities experience hot summers and chilly winters. Air conditioning drives up electric bills from June through September, while heating costs peak in December and January.
🏆 Winner: St Matthews, but only by a small margin. Utility costs are comparable in both cities.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
St Matthews residents catch a small break on groceries and everyday goods. Expect to pay about 5% less for a standard basket of groceries compared to Louisville prices.
Eating out is also a bit cheaper in St Matthews. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages $50, while a similar meal in Louisville typically costs $55-60.
🏆 Winner: St Matthews. Groceries and dining out are moderately less expensive than in Louisville.
Taxes and Fees
Both St Matthews and Louisville assess property taxes, but at different rates. The property tax in St Matthews is 0.85% of a home’s assessed value. In Louisville, homeowners pay a 1.1% property tax.
For a $300,000 home, that’s a difference of $750 per year in property taxes alone. St Matthews clearly has the edge.
🏆 Winner: St Matthews. Lower property tax rates give St Matthews the advantage over Louisville.
Cost Summary Table
| Expense Category | St Matthews | Louisville |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Mortgage) | $1,950 | $1,680 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $380 | $400 |
| Transportation | $75 | $75 |
| Taxes (Property) | $230 | $275 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,215 | $3,030 |
Note: All figures are estimates based on a $300K home. See our guide to average monthly expenses in St Matthews for more details.
Lifestyle Fit
St Matthews offers a quieter suburban feel with more space between homes. Most properties have private yards. Traffic is lighter and parking is easier than in Louisville.
Louisville provides an urban lifestyle with walkable neighborhoods and closer proximity to dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Public transit is more accessible in Louisville. However, urban conveniences come with more density, noise, and congestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Matthews more affordable than Louisville?
Louisville has lower housing costs, but St Matthews is cheaper for utilities, groceries and property taxes. Overall, the cost of living is similar between the two cities.
Which city has lower rent?
Renting an apartment is more affordable in Louisville. A typical 2BR unit costs $1,250 per month vs $1,450 in St Matthews.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Louisville boasts lower home prices and estimated mortgage costs. The median home value is about $45,000 less than in St Matthews.
Conclusion
St Matthews and Louisville offer a comparable cost of living with some tradeoffs. Louisville is the better value for home buyers and renters. St Matthews has a slight edge for utilities, groceries, and property taxes.
Ultimately, the lifestyle fit should guide your choice. Prefer a calm, suburban feel? St Matthews is ideal. Want walkable urban amenities? Louisville delivers. Crunch the numbers using our St Matthews cost of living calculator to gauge your monthly expenses in each city.
Considering other Louisville suburbs? Our cost of living series compares cities across Kentucky. Concerned about moving costs? Learn whether pods or trucks are best for your budget move.