Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Lexington is 40% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,101/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 51%
$67,631/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 24%
$272,100 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 102%
$1,160/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 46%
321,122
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $560/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $6,720/year.

Median household income is $15,967/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Lexington or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $560/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $15,967/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Colorado?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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