Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Reno, NV (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Lexington is 33% cheaper than Reno.

$1,101/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↑ 32%
$67,631/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↑ 16%
$272,100 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$498,600 ↑ 83%
$1,160/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↑ 28%
321,122
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $352/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $4,224/year.

Median household income is $10,817/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Reno — common questions

Is Lexington or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Reno?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $352/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Reno?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $10,817/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Nevada?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Reno details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lexington and Reno

Lexington vs. Henderson Lexington vs. Stockton Lexington vs. Anaheim Lexington vs. Corpus Christi Lexington vs. Honolulu Lexington vs. Riverside Reno vs. North Las Vegas Reno vs. Toledo Reno vs. Gilbert Reno vs. Fort Wayne Reno vs. Chula Vista Reno vs. Lubbock