Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Lexington is 24% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,101/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 11%
$67,631/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 18%
$272,100 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 32%
$1,160/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 13%
321,122
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $12,352/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Lexington or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and St. Louis?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or St. Louis?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $12,352/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Missouri?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View St. Louis details →

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