Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Kent, WA (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Lexington is 43% cheaper than Kent.

$1,101/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 66%
$67,631/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 34%
$272,100 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 98%
$1,160/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 65%
321,122
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $732/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $8,784/year.

Median household income is $22,785/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Kent — common questions

Is Lexington or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Kent?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $732/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Kent?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $22,785/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Washington?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Kent details →

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