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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Lexington is 81% cheaper than Santa Ana.

$1,101/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 79%
$67,631/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↑ 31%
$272,100 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$657,800 ↑ 142%
$1,160/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↑ 69%
321,122
Population
311,639

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $874/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $10,488/year.

Median household income is $20,723/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Lexington or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $874/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $20,723/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,975/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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