Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Lexington is 4% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,101/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 15%
$67,631/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 4%
$272,100 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 24%
$1,160/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 1%
321,122
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $2,439/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Lexington or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Dearborn?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Dearborn?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $2,439/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Michigan?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Dearborn details →

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