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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Irvine

California
256

Lexington is 68% cheaper than Irvine.

$1,101/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 163%
$67,631/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 92%
$272,100 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 310%
$1,160/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 150%
321,122
Population
308,160

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,792/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $21,504/year.

Median household income is $62,016/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Irvine — common questions

Is Lexington or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Irvine?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,792/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Irvine?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $62,016/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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