Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Toledo, OH (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Toledo

Ohio
52

Lexington is 58% more expensive than Toledo.

$1,101/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$880/mo ↓ 20%
$67,631/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$47,532/yr ↓ 30%
$272,100 ↑ 154%
Home Value
$107,000 ↓ 61%
$1,160/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$856/mo ↓ 26%
321,122
Population
268,461

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Toledo, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 52 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $221/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $2,652/year.

Median household income is $20,099/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $107,000 in Toledo.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Toledo — common questions

Is Lexington or Toledo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Toledo?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Toledo it's $880/month — a difference of $221/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Toledo?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $47,532 in Toledo. Median household income is $20,099/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Ohio?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Toledo?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Toledo has a cost index of 52 with rent of $880/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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