Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Virginia Beach is 43% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,649/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 33%
$90,685/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↓ 25%
$366,300 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$272,100 ↓ 26%
$1,704/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 32%
457,066
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $548/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $6,576/year.

Median household income is $23,054/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Lexington — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Lexington?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $548/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Lexington?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $23,054/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Kentucky?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Virginia Beach or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Lexington details →

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