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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Stockton

California
115

Lexington is 33% cheaper than Stockton.

$1,101/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↑ 36%
$67,631/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↑ 14%
$272,100 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$412,900 ↑ 52%
$1,160/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↑ 34%
321,122
Population
320,470

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $394/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $4,728/year.

Median household income is $9,220/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Stockton — common questions

Is Lexington or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Stockton?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $394/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Stockton?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $9,220/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Stockton has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,495/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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