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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Lexington is 60% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,101/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 107%
$67,631/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 107%
$272,100 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 218%
$1,160/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 108%
321,122
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,174/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $14,088/year.

Median household income is $72,529/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Arlington — common questions

Is Lexington or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Arlington?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $1,174/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Arlington?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $72,529/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Arlington details →

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