Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Richmond, CA (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Richmond

California
161

Lexington is 49% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,101/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 72%
$67,631/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 33%
$272,100 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 139%
$1,160/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 74%
321,122
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $794/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $9,528/year.

Median household income is $22,407/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Richmond — common questions

Is Lexington or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Richmond?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $794/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Richmond?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $22,407/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and California?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Richmond details →

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