Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Lexington is 23% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,101/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 32%
$67,631/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 21%
$272,100 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 23%
$1,160/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 34%
321,122
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $356/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $4,272/year.

Median household income is $13,865/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Paterson — common questions

Is Lexington or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Paterson?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $356/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Paterson?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $13,865/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and New Jersey?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Paterson details →

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