Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Lexington is 6% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,101/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 3%
$67,631/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 9%
$272,100 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 8%
$1,160/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 9%
321,122
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,177/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Lexington or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Lafayette?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Lafayette?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $6,177/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Louisiana?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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