Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Providence, RI (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Lexington is 17% cheaper than Providence.

$1,101/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 21%
$67,631/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 1%
$272,100 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 19%
$1,160/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 26%
321,122
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $859/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Providence — common questions

Is Lexington or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Providence?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Providence?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $859/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Rhode Island?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Providence details →

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