Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Washington is 109% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,900/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 42%
$106,287/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↓ 36%
$724,600 ↑ 166%
Home Value
$272,100 ↓ 62%
$2,103/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 45%
672,079
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $799/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $9,588/year.

Median household income is $38,656/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Lexington — common questions

Is Washington or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Lexington?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $799/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Lexington?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $38,656/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Kentucky?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Lexington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Lexington

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland Lexington vs. Henderson Lexington vs. Stockton Lexington vs. Anaheim Lexington vs. Corpus Christi Lexington vs. Honolulu Lexington vs. Riverside