Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Lexington is 27% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,101/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 33%
$67,631/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 6%
$272,100 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 45%
$1,160/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 33%
321,122
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $362/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $4,344/year.

Median household income is $3,757/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Lexington or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $362/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $3,757/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and New Jersey?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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