Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Lexington is 35% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,101/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 50%
$67,631/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 29%
$272,100 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 68%
$1,160/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 39%
321,122
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $550/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $6,600/year.

Median household income is $19,348/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Sparks — common questions

Is Lexington or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Sparks?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $550/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Sparks?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $19,348/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Nevada?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Sparks details →

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