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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Lexington is 51% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,101/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 99%
$67,631/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 51%
$272,100 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 118%
$1,160/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 92%
321,122
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,090/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $13,080/year.

Median household income is $34,690/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Lexington or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Fairfield?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,090/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Fairfield?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $34,690/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Fairfield details →

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