Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Denver is 79% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,770/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 38%
$91,681/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↓ 26%
$586,700 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$272,100 ↓ 54%
$1,839/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 37%
713,734
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $669/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $8,028/year.

Median household income is $24,050/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Lexington — common questions

Is Denver or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Lexington?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $669/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Lexington?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $24,050/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Kentucky?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Lexington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Lexington

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Lexington vs. Henderson Lexington vs. Stockton Lexington vs. Anaheim Lexington vs. Corpus Christi Lexington vs. Honolulu Lexington vs. Riverside