Lisbon vs Lexington for Nurses (2026)
Scroll down for travel nurse analysis, rent burden, and FAQ.
Your move simulator
Slide to match your household — estimates combine take-home, rent, and groceries.
Estimated annual swing
−$13,920/yr
Favoring Lexington for this income & household (illustrative).
With the extra $1,160/mo, you could pay down a $15,000 card balance in ~13 months and still keep ~$139/mo for dining out.
Complete the Picture
While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
High-yield savings
Park ~$13,920/yr savings at 4–5%+ APY
Even $1,160/mo extra earns meaningfully at 4–5% APY vs near-zero in checking.
Travel nursing edge
Lexington: maximize take-home on your next contract
Travel nurses in Lexington often keep more after housing stipends at 4% state tax.
Home + auto bundle
New state — compare rates before you sign
Moving to Lexington resets your insurance profile. Bundling home + auto often saves 15–25%.
Nurse salary cost breakdown
| Metric | Lisbon Lisbon District | Lexington Kentucky | Your impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| State income tax | 20% | 4%Better | $12,000/yr saves in Lexington |
| Est. monthly take-home ($82.75K RN) | $5,517 | $6,620Better | — |
| 1BR rent / month | $1,400 | $1,350Better | $600/yr saves in Lexington |
| 1BR rent burden | 25% | 20%Better | — |
| Internet / month | $35Better | $60 | $300/yr saves in Lisbon |
| Monthly utilities | $90Better | $158 | $816/yr saves in Lisbon |
| Walk score | 80 / 100Better | 38 / 100 | — |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 63Better | 89 | — |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Nurse tax savings
Lexington saves ~$1,103/mo on a nurse salary
No-tax states are especially powerful for nurses and travel nurses. Put that extra take-home in a high-yield savings account.
Savings potential
Lexington: ~$4,558/mo after rent & living
Nurses with strong take-home can build wealth fast. Compare brokers and robo-advisors to put it to work.
Complete the Picture
While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
Mortgages
See what you can afford in Lexington
Compare rates from top lenders before your move — pre-approval is free and won't affect your score.
Home & Auto Insurance
Bundle before you move — save 15–25%
New state means new rates. Lock in Lexington homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
Moving Rewards Card
Turn closing costs & moving expenses into cash back
Average family spends $6,200 on a move. These cards pay 2–4% back + 0% intro APR on purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for nurses — Lisbon or Lexington?
For nurses, the cities are comparable based on take-home pay after taxes, rent burden, and cost of living. The key differentiator is state income tax: Lexington has a lower state tax rate (4% vs 20%). For travel nurses specifically, no-income-tax states are especially valuable since housing stipends are already tax-exempt — earning more in a no-tax state can be worth $3,000–$6,000/year more in take-home pay.
How much take-home pay does a nurse earn in Lisbon vs Lexington?
Based on the national average RN salary of $82,750/year, a nurse in Lisbon (20% state income tax) takes home approximately $5,517/month. In Lexington (4% state income tax), take-home is $6,620/month — a difference of $1,103/month or ~$13,236/year. Note: this calculation uses state income tax only; federal taxes are not included.
What percentage of a nurse's income goes to rent in Lisbon vs Lexington?
Financial advisors recommend keeping housing under 30% of gross income. In Lisbon, rent consumes 25% of a nurse's monthly take-home — manageable with careful budgeting. In Lexington, rent burden is 20% — very affordable.
Is Lisbon or Lexington better for travel nurses?
Travel nurses on assignment typically receive a base wage PLUS a tax-free housing stipend (usually $1,500–$3,000/month) that covers housing costs. For travel nurses, the state income tax on the base wage is the primary cost difference. Lexington (4% rate) is more advantageous. The housing stipend covers most rent — so the $1,103/month tax difference goes directly into savings, compounding over a 13-week assignment to $3,309 extra in take-home.
How does the cost of living affect a nurse's purchasing power in Lisbon vs Lexington?
A $82,750 nurse salary in Lisbon (COL 62.5) has the equivalent purchasing power of $117,836 in Lexington (COL 89). The lower-cost city effectively gives nurses a ~42% raise with no salary negotiation required — more savings, faster debt payoff, and greater financial flexibility.
Nurse salary based on national median RN wage ($82,750/year, BLS 2024). Take-home calculated using state income tax rate only; federal taxes not included. Travel nurse stipend rules vary by assignment and employer. Data: BLS, Zillow, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026