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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Lexington is 63% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,101/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 101%
$67,631/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 53%
$272,100 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 284%
$1,160/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 102%
321,122
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,117/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $13,404/year.

Median household income is $36,147/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Lexington or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Pasadena?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,117/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Pasadena?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $36,147/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lexington and Pasadena

Lexington vs. Henderson Lexington vs. Stockton Lexington vs. Anaheim Lexington vs. Corpus Christi Lexington vs. Honolulu Lexington vs. Riverside Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth