Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Jacksonville is 12% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,375/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 20%
$66,981/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$67,631/yr ≈ Same
$266,100 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$272,100 ↑ 2%
$1,324/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 12%
961,739
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $650/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Lexington — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Lexington?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Lexington?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $650/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Kentucky?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Lexington details →

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