Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Lexington is 45% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,101/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 73%
$67,631/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 40%
$272,100 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 96%
$1,160/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 73%
321,122
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $801/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $9,612/year.

Median household income is $27,182/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Lexington or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Jersey City?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $801/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Jersey City?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $27,182/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and New Jersey?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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