Can I Afford to Live in Lexington vs Dayton on $75K?
Here's how a $75K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Lexington KY | Dayton OH |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,491 | $4,522 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $1,100 |
| Groceries (est.) | $365 | $361 |
| Transport (est.) | $60 | $60 |
| Utilities | $158 | $162 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,498/month | $2,781/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $75K a good salary in Lexington?
At $75K/year in Lexington, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,491. With 1BR rent around $1,350/month, rent takes up 30% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Is $75K a good salary in Dayton?
At $75K/year in Dayton, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,522. With 1BR rent around $1,100/month, rent takes up 24% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $75K salary?
Dayton leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,781/month vs $2,498/month in Lexington.
Can I afford to live alone in Lexington on $75K?
Yes. At $75K in Lexington, rent takes 30% of your take-home, leaving $2,498/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only