Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Durham, NC (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Lexington is 22% cheaper than Durham.

$1,101/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 28%
$67,631/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 17%
$272,100 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 31%
$1,160/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 24%
321,122
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $311/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $3,732/year.

Median household income is $11,603/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Durham — common questions

Is Lexington or Durham 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 Durham?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $311/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Durham?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $11,603/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and North Carolina?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Durham details →

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