Lexington, KY vs Santa Rosa, CA: 82 vs 172

$1,101/mo ↓ 47%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 89%

$67,631/yr ↓ 31%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 44%

$272,100 ↓ 60%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 152%

$1,160/mo ↓ 46%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 84%

321,122

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $983/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $11,796/year.

Median household income is $29,779/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Lexington or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Lexington and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $983/month.

Which city has higher income, Lexington or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $29,779/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Lexington

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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