Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Raleigh is 34% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,468/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 25%
$82,424/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↓ 18%
$377,800 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$272,100 ↓ 28%
$1,487/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 22%
470,763
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $367/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $4,404/year.

Median household income is $14,793/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Lexington — common questions

Is Raleigh or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Lexington?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $367/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Lexington?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $14,793/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Kentucky?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Lexington details →

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