Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Lexington is 34% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,101/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 14%
$67,631/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 13%
$272,100 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 45%
$1,160/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 13%
321,122
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $8,915/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Peoria — common questions

Is Lexington or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Peoria?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $150/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Peoria?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $8,915/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Illinois?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Peoria details →

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