Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Lexington is 68% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,101/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 143%
$67,631/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 106%
$272,100 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 325%
$1,160/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 141%
321,122
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,577/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $18,924/year.

Median household income is $71,695/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Lexington or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,577/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $71,695/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and California?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Carlsbad details →

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