Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Lexington is 19% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,101/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 13%
$67,631/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 24%
$272,100 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 21%
$1,160/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 10%
321,122
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $148/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $1,776/year.

Median household income is $15,924/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Lexington or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $148/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $15,924/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Ohio?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with rent of $953/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Cincinnati details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lexington and Cincinnati

Lexington vs. Henderson Lexington vs. Stockton Lexington vs. Anaheim Lexington vs. Corpus Christi Lexington vs. Honolulu Lexington vs. Riverside Cincinnati vs. Santa Ana Cincinnati vs. Irvine Cincinnati vs. Orlando Cincinnati vs. St. Paul Cincinnati vs. Riverside Cincinnati vs. Newark