Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Columbus and Lexington have a similar cost of living.

$1,224/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 10%
$65,327/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↑ 4%
$234,500 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$272,100 ↑ 16%
$1,243/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 7%
906,480
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $2,304/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Lexington — common questions

Is Columbus or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Lexington?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Lexington?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $2,304/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Kentucky?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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.
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