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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Riverside

California
144

Lexington is 62% cheaper than Riverside.

$1,101/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 65%
$67,631/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 31%
$272,100 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$542,100 ↑ 99%
$1,160/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 62%
321,122
Population
316,241

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $711/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $8,532/year.

Median household income is $20,944/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Riverside — common questions

Is Lexington or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Riverside?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $711/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Riverside?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $20,944/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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