Peoria vs Lexington for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Peoria Illinois | Lexington Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $850Better | $1,100 |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,400Better | $1,750 |
| Median home price | $175KBetter | $270K |
| Median household income | $50K | $56KBetter |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,079Better | $1,157 |
| State income tax | 5% | 4%Better |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.5% | 6%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $158Better | $158 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 95Better | 96 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Peoria or Lexington?
Peoria and Lexington are closely matched for families overall. Housing costs, income levels, and taxes are comparable. Your specific priorities — school quality, commute, outdoor space — should drive the decision.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Peoria vs Lexington?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,400/month in Peoria and $1,750/month in Lexington. Peoria is 20% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Peoria or Lexington?
The price-to-income ratio in Peoria is 3.5× ($175K median home, $50K median income). In Lexington it's 4.8× ($270K home, $56K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Peoria is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Peoria vs Lexington?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,079/month in Peoria and $1,157/month in Lexington, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$936/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Peoria has a 5% state income tax rate vs Lexington's 4% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $100/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Peoria has the same purchasing power as $107K in Lexington
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026