Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Lexington is 37% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,101/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 56%
$67,631/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 46%
$272,100 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 78%
$1,160/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 39%
321,122
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $613/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $7,356/year.

Median household income is $31,055/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Meridian — common questions

Is Lexington or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Meridian?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $613/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Meridian?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $31,055/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Idaho?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Meridian details →

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