Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Lexington is 67% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,101/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 128%
$67,631/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 139%
$272,100 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 342%
$1,160/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 123%
321,122
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,404/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $16,848/year.

Median household income is $93,669/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Lexington or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Bellevue?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,404/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Bellevue?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $93,669/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Washington?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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