Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Lexington is 10% cheaper than St. Paul.

$1,101/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↑ 13%
$67,631/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↑ 8%
$272,100 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$280,300 ↑ 3%
$1,160/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↑ 20%
321,122
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $5,424/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Lexington or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and St. Paul?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or St. Paul?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $5,424/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Minnesota?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,248/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View St. Paul details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lexington and St. Paul

Lexington vs. Henderson Lexington vs. Stockton Lexington vs. Anaheim Lexington vs. Corpus Christi Lexington vs. Honolulu Lexington vs. Riverside St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro