Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Lexington is 41% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,101/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 11%
$67,631/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 23%
$272,100 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 56%
$1,160/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 16%
321,122
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $15,461/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Lansing — common questions

Is Lexington or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Lansing?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Lansing?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $15,461/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Michigan?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Lansing details →

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