Cost of Living: Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY vs Riverside, CA (2026)

Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky

Kentucky
82
VS

Riverside

California
144

Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky is 62% cheaper than Riverside.

$1,101/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 65%
$67,631/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 31%
$272,100 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$542,100 ↑ 99%
$1,160/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 62%
321,122
Population
316,241

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $711/month cheaper in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, saving renters about $8,532/year.

Median household income is $20,944/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky is $272,100 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky vs Riverside — common questions

Is Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky and Riverside?
Median rent in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky is $1,101/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $711/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky or Riverside?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $20,944/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and California?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky or Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky details → View Riverside details →