Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Portland is 68% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,596/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 31%
$88,792/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↓ 24%
$557,600 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$272,100 ↓ 51%
$1,771/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 35%
642,715
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $495/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $5,940/year.

Median household income is $21,161/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Lexington — common questions

Is Portland or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Lexington?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $495/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Lexington?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $21,161/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Kentucky?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Lexington details →

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