Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Lexington is 38% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,101/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 61%
$67,631/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 18%
$272,100 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 67%
$1,160/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 53%
321,122
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $675/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $8,100/year.

Median household income is $12,304/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Lexington or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $675/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $12,304/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Florida?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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