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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Ontario

California
152

Lexington is 46% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,101/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 74%
$67,631/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 22%
$272,100 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 109%
$1,160/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 70%
321,122
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $815/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $9,780/year.

Median household income is $15,175/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Ontario — common questions

Is Lexington or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Ontario?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $815/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Ontario?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $15,175/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Ontario details →

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