Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Grand Rapids, MI (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79

Lexington is 4% more expensive than Grand Rapids.

$1,101/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,191/mo ↑ 8%
$67,631/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$65,526/yr ↓ 3%
$272,100 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$225,500 ↓ 17%
$1,160/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 2%
321,122
Population
197,768

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Grand Rapids, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $2,105/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $225,500 in Grand Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Grand Rapids — common questions

Is Lexington or Grand Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Grand Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Grand Rapids?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Grand Rapids it's $1,191/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Grand Rapids?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $65,526 in Grand Rapids. Median household income is $2,105/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Michigan?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Grand Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Grand Rapids details →

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