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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Los Angeles is 128% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,879/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 41%
$80,366/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↓ 16%
$879,500 ↑ 223%
Home Value
$272,100 ↓ 69%
$2,055/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 44%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $778/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $9,336/year.

Median household income is $12,735/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Lexington — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Lexington?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $778/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Lexington?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $12,735/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Lexington details →

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