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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Lexington is 64% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,101/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 118%
$67,631/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 63%
$272,100 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 288%
$1,160/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 112%
321,122
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,294/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $15,528/year.

Median household income is $42,442/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Lexington or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,294/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $42,442/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Costa Mesa details →

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