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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Lexington is 37% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,101/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 58%
$67,631/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 20%
$272,100 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 60%
$1,160/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 58%
321,122
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $635/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $7,620/year.

Median household income is $13,520/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Lexington or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Palmdale?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $635/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Palmdale?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $13,520/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lexington and Palmdale

Lexington vs. Henderson Lexington vs. Stockton Lexington vs. Anaheim Lexington vs. Corpus Christi Lexington vs. Honolulu Lexington vs. Riverside Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona