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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Columbus

Georgia
69

Lexington is 19% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,101/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 3%
$67,631/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$56,622/yr ↓ 16%
$272,100 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$182,300 ↓ 33%
$1,160/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,064/mo ↓ 8%
321,122
Population
204,383

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
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Columbus, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,009/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $182,300 in Columbus.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Columbus — common questions

Is Lexington or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Columbus?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Columbus it's $1,072/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Columbus?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $56,622 in Columbus. Median household income is $11,009/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 Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Columbus details →

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