Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Athens, GA (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Lexington and Athens have a similar cost of living.

$1,101/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 6%
$67,631/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 24%
$272,100 ≈ Same
Home Value
$271,800 ≈ Same
$1,160/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ≈ Same
321,122
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $15,976/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Athens — common questions

Is Lexington or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Athens?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Athens?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $15,976/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Georgia?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Athens details →

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