Kansas City, MO vs Lexington, KY: 80 vs 82

$1,186/mo ↑ 8%

Median Rent

$1,101/mo ↓ 7%

$67,449/yr ≈ Same

Median Income

$67,631/yr ≈ Same

$227,000 ↓ 17%

Home Value

$272,100 ↑ 20%

$1,205/mo ↑ 4%

Owner Costs

$1,160/mo ↓ 4%

508,233

Population

321,122

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $182/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Lexington — common questions

Is Kansas City or Lexington cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 82 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Lexington?

Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $85/month.

Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Lexington?

Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $182/year higher in Lexington.

How do taxes compare between Missouri and Kentucky?

Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.

Should I move to Kansas City or Lexington?

It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/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.

Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Kansas City

Lexington

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons