Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Fresno is 23% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,324/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 17%
$66,804/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↑ 1%
$348,500 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$272,100 ↓ 22%
$1,391/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 17%
543,615
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $223/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $2,676/year.

Median household income is $827/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Lexington — common questions

Is Fresno or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Lexington?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $223/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Lexington?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $827/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between California and Kentucky?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Lexington details →

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