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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Long Beach is 106% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,803/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 39%
$83,969/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↓ 19%
$762,200 ↑ 180%
Home Value
$272,100 ↓ 64%
$1,890/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 39%
458,491
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $702/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $8,424/year.

Median household income is $16,338/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Lexington — common questions

Is Long Beach or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Lexington?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $702/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Lexington?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $16,338/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Kentucky?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Lexington has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Lexington details →

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