Average Rent in Louisville 2026
The average rent in Louisville, KY is $1,100 for a 1-bedroom, $1,300 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,650 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Louisville is 8% below the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $44,000.
Louisville Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,100
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,300
per month
3 Bedrooms
$1,650
per month
Cost of Living in Louisville
92
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Louisville's cost of living index is 92, which is 8% below the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Louisville at a Glance
Population
633K
Median Income
$52,237
COL Index
92
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Louisville?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Louisville by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$1,100/mo rent
$44,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$1,300/mo rent
$52,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$1,650/mo rent
$66,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Louisville
Save $450/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,100
per month
Split 2BR
$650
per person/month
Annual Savings
$5,400
per year
Instead of paying $1,100 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,300) with one roommate brings your share to $650. That is $5,400 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in Louisville
Louisville, KY does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
Rent Calculators for Louisville Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Louisville rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Louisville
Is Louisville expensive to rent in?
Louisville offers solid rental value in the Southeast. A 1-bedroom averages $1,100 per month in 2026. NuLu and the Highlands are trendy with higher rents, while Germantown and Old Louisville offer character at lower price points.
How much income do you need to rent in Louisville?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $3,667 per month ($44,000 annually) to afford an average $1,100/month 1-bedroom apartment in Louisville.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Louisville?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,300/month) with one roommate brings your share to $650, saving $450 per month or $5,400 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
Planning to rent in Louisville?