Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Philadelphia is 4% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,323/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 17%
$60,698/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↑ 11%
$232,400 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$272,100 ↑ 17%
$1,233/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 6%
1,582,432
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $222/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $2,664/year.

Median household income is $6,933/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Lexington — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Lexington?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $222/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Lexington?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $6,933/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Kentucky?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Lexington details →

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