Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Detroit is 35% cheaper than Lexington.

$1,034/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↑ 6%
$39,575/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↑ 71%
$76,800 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$272,100 ↑ 254%
$868/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↑ 34%
636,644
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $28,056/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Lexington — common questions

Is Detroit or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Lexington?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Lexington?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $28,056/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Kentucky?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Lexington details →

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