Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Atlanta is 49% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,617/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 32%
$81,938/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↓ 17%
$420,600 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$272,100 ↓ 35%
$1,695/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 32%
499,287
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $516/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $6,192/year.

Median household income is $14,307/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Lexington — common questions

Is Atlanta or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Lexington?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $516/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Lexington?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $14,307/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Kentucky?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Lexington has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Lexington details →

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