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

Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky

Kentucky
82
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky is 81% cheaper than Santa Ana.

$1,101/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 79%
$67,631/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↑ 31%
$272,100 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$657,800 ↑ 142%
$1,160/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↑ 69%
321,122
Population
311,639

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $874/month cheaper in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, saving renters about $10,488/year.

Median household income is $20,723/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky is $272,100 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana — common questions

Is Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky or Santa Ana 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 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky is $1,101/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $874/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $20,723/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,975/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky details → View Santa Ana details →