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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Downey

California
169

Lexington is 51% cheaper than Downey.

$1,101/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 72%
$67,631/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 29%
$272,100 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 168%
$1,160/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 72%
321,122
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $791/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $9,492/year.

Median household income is $19,769/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Downey — common questions

Is Lexington or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Downey?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $791/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Downey?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $19,769/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Downey details →

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