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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Sacramento is 61% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,694/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 35%
$83,753/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↓ 19%
$484,600 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$272,100 ↓ 44%
$1,752/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 34%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $593/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $7,116/year.

Median household income is $16,122/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Lexington — common questions

Is Sacramento or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Lexington?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $593/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Lexington?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $16,122/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Lexington details →

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