Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Lexington is 44% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,101/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 14%
$67,631/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 23%
$272,100 ↑ 111%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 53%
$1,160/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 21%
321,122
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $15,380/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Evansville — common questions

Is Lexington or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Evansville?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Evansville?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $15,380/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Indiana?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lexington and Evansville

Lexington vs. Henderson Lexington vs. Stockton Lexington vs. Anaheim Lexington vs. Corpus Christi Lexington vs. Honolulu Lexington vs. Riverside Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow