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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Oakland is 138% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,917/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 43%
$97,369/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↓ 31%
$924,700 ↑ 240%
Home Value
$272,100 ↓ 71%
$2,164/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 46%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $816/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $9,792/year.

Median household income is $29,738/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Lexington — common questions

Is Oakland or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Lexington?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $816/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Lexington?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $29,738/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Lexington details →

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