Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Lexington is 50% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,101/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 73%
$67,631/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 59%
$272,100 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 161%
$1,160/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 57%
321,122
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $809/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $9,708/year.

Median household income is $39,741/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Lexington or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $809/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $39,741/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Arizona?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Scottsdale details →

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