Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Lexington is 7% cheaper than Hampton.

$1,101/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 22%
$67,631/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$67,758/yr ≈ Same
$272,100 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 14%
$1,160/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 16%
321,122
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $127/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Hampton — common questions

Is Lexington or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Hampton?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $245/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Hampton?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $127/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Virginia?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Hampton details →

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