Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Lexington is 8% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,101/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 11%
$67,631/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↓ 5%
$272,100 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 29%
$1,160/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 2%
321,122
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $3,494/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Lexington or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $120/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $3,494/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Pennsylvania?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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