Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Seattle is 139% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,998/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 45%
$121,984/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↓ 45%
$912,100 ↑ 235%
Home Value
$272,100 ↓ 70%
$2,220/mo ↑ 91%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 48%
741,440
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $897/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $10,764/year.

Median household income is $54,353/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Lexington — common questions

Is Seattle or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Lexington?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $897/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Lexington?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $54,353/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Kentucky?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Lexington details →

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