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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Orange

California
206

Lexington is 60% cheaper than Orange.

$1,101/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 105%
$67,631/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 73%
$272,100 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 231%
$1,160/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 106%
321,122
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,151/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $13,812/year.

Median household income is $49,314/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Orange — common questions

Is Lexington or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Orange?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,151/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Orange?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $49,314/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Orange details →

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