Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Lexington is 15% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,101/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ≈ Same
$67,631/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 7%
$272,100 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 34%
$1,160/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 4%
321,122
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,911/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Abilene — common questions

Is Lexington or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Abilene?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Abilene?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $4,911/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Texas?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Abilene details →

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