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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Lexington is 53% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,101/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 79%
$67,631/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 33%
$272,100 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 181%
$1,160/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 74%
321,122
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $870/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $10,440/year.

Median household income is $22,535/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Lexington or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $870/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $22,535/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Garden Grove details →

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