Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Mesa is 30% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,478/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 26%
$78,779/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↓ 14%
$364,300 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$272,100 ↓ 25%
$1,404/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 17%
507,478
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $377/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $4,524/year.

Median household income is $11,148/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Lexington — common questions

Is Mesa or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Lexington?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $377/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Lexington?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $11,148/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Kentucky?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Lexington details →

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