Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Lexington is 22% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,101/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 40%
$67,631/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 5%
$272,100 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 20%
$1,160/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 22%
321,122
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $438/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $5,256/year.

Median household income is $3,191/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Lexington or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Clearwater?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $438/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Clearwater?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $3,191/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Florida?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Clearwater details →

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