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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Lexington is 73% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,101/mo ↓ 63%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 171%
$67,631/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 157%
$272,100 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 462%
$1,160/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 163%
321,122
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,884/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $22,608/year.

Median household income is $106,039/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Lexington or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,884/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $106,039/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

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Lexington vs. Henderson Lexington vs. Stockton Lexington vs. Anaheim Lexington vs. Corpus Christi Lexington vs. Honolulu Lexington vs. Riverside Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville