Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY

Below Avg · 82

Kentucky · Population 321,122 · Updated March 2026

$1,101
Median Rent / Month
$67,631
Median Income
$272,100
Median Home Value
$1,160
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky

19.5%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Kentucky

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.0%
Sales Tax
0.83%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$13,212
Annual Rent
$2,705
State Income Tax
$2,258
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 82 (where 100 equals the national median), Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,101/month while earning a median household income of $67,631/year.

The median home value in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY is $272,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,160 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 19.5% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Kentucky has a moderate income tax rate of 4.0%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 0.83% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky

What is the cost of living in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY?
The cost of living index in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY is 82 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,101, median household income is $67,631/year, and the median home value is $272,100.
Is Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY affordable?
Yes, Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 82. The rent-to-income ratio is 19.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY?
The median gross rent in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY is $1,101 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $13,212.
What is the median household income in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky?
The median household income in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY is $67,631 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Kentucky?
Kentucky has a top income tax rate of 4.0%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.83%.

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