Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Lexington is 9% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,101/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↑ 3%
$67,631/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 11%
$272,100 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 27%
$1,160/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↑ 2%
321,122
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,144/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Lexington or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Lubbock?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Lubbock?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $7,144/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Texas?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,137/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Lubbock details →

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