Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Lexington is 53% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,101/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 84%
$67,631/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 68%
$272,100 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 156%
$1,160/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 87%
321,122
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $930/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $11,160/year.

Median household income is $46,007/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Lexington or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Alexandria?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $930/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Alexandria?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $46,007/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Virginia?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Alexandria details →

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