Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Lexington is 30% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,101/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 22%
$67,631/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 11%
$272,100 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 82%
$1,160/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 20%
321,122
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $242/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $2,904/year.

Median household income is $7,294/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Lexington or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $242/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $7,294/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Utah?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lexington and Salt Lake City

Lexington vs. Henderson Lexington vs. Stockton Lexington vs. Anaheim Lexington vs. Corpus Christi Lexington vs. Honolulu Lexington vs. Riverside Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta