City Comparison
Louisville vs Hopkinsville
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Louisville scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Louisville
Hopkinsville
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hopkinsville is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
8% lower than in Louisville.
Housing costs are a major driver: Louisville's average rent is
26% higher than Hopkinsville's.
| Metric | Louisville | Hopkinsville | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,250 | $989 | +26% |
| Groceries | $380 | $400 | -5% |
| Utilities | $175 | $218 | -20% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,145 | $1,977 | +8% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Hopkinsville offers 1% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Hopkinsville delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Louisville is estimated at
$48,000 vs $45,000 in Hopkinsville.
| Metric | Louisville | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $62,602 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,391 idx | 73,649 idx |
| Household Income | $65,200 | $49,139 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Louisville runs warmer on average — a 57.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Louisville comes out ahead with 238 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Louisville sees 18.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Louisville | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 26.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 52.90 in | in |
| Snowfall | 18.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 238 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Louisville scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Louisville leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Louisville | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 49.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Louisville is the larger city
— approximately 20.8x the population of Hopkinsville.
From a growth perspective, Louisville is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Louisville has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Louisville | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,045 | 30,395 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.30% | — |
| Median Age | 38.5 | 34.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 5.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Louisville
Advantages
Median home prices in Louisville remain roughly 15% below the national average per Redfin 2024 data.
World-class healthcare infrastructure anchored by major regional networks like Norton Healthcare.
Extensive public park system designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Thriving culinary and craft beverage culture recognized internationally for bourbon and dining.
Strategic geographic location serving as a major logistics and shipping hub with the UPS Worldport.
Drawbacks
Public transit options are limited primarily to bus routes, resulting in high car dependency outside the urban core.
Certain urban neighborhoods experience higher rates of property and violent crime per local police department data.
Property tax rates and homeowners insurance costs have seen upward pressure in recent years.
Summer humidity and seasonal allergy index rankings frequently challenge allergy sufferers.
State-level legislative dynamics can sometimes conflict with progressive municipal governance priorities.
Hopkinsville
Advantages
The cost of living in Hopkinsville is notably lower than the national average, particularly for housing.
Median home prices in Hopkinsville were up 4.6% year-over-year as of May 2026, indicating a growing housing market.
The city offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, contributing to a strong community vibe.
Hopkinsville provides convenient access to Fort Campbell and Clarksville, offering additional amenities and employment opportunities.
The average rent in Hopkinsville is significantly lower than the national average, making it affordable for renters.
Drawbacks
Hopkinsville's overall crime rate is 41% above the national average, with a safety grade of C-.
The city has a higher crime rate than 85% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Some residents report a limited nightlife and few decent dining options, with many establishments closing early.
There are concerns about a 'Good Ol Boy' system in local businesses and difficulty retaining new businesses.
The city's population is projected to be declining annually, with a -1.13% growth rate from 2025-2026.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Louisville
#299Kentucky, USA
61.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$62,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
49.0/100
Sunny Days
238/yr
Avg Temp
57.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.30%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
76
Business
70
Hopkinsville
#548Kentucky, USA
48.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$989
Avg Salary
$62,602
Cost Index
85
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
25.0/100
Walkability
30.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.90%
Livability
70
Business
60
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Louisville and Hopkinsville.
Open Cost Calculator