Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Modesto

California
120

Lexington is 32% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,101/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 46%
$67,631/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 15%
$272,100 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 53%
$1,160/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 39%
321,122
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $508/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $6,096/year.

Median household income is $10,268/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Modesto — common questions

Is Lexington or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Modesto?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $508/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Modesto?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $10,268/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and California?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Modesto details →

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