Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Lexington and Lakeland have a similar cost of living.

$1,101/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 18%
$67,631/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 10%
$272,100 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 16%
$1,160/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ≈ Same
321,122
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $198/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $2,376/year.

Median household income is $6,684/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Lexington or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Lakeland?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $198/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Lakeland?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $6,684/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Florida?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Lakeland details →

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