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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Lexington and Gainesville have a similar cost of living.

$1,101/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↑ 10%
$67,631/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 33%
$272,100 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 14%
$1,160/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ≈ Same
321,122
Population
143,611

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
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $22,020/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Lexington or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Gainesville?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Gainesville?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $22,020/year higher in Lexington.
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 Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lexington and Gainesville

Lexington vs. Henderson Lexington vs. Stockton Lexington vs. Anaheim Lexington vs. Corpus Christi Lexington vs. Honolulu Lexington vs. Riverside Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia