Cost of Living in Lexington, Kentucky (2026)
COL Index
89
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,350
per month
Median HHI
$56K
per year
State Tax
4%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Lexington |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $1,100 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,350 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,750 |
| Median home price | $270K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 96 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $52 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $60 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.05 |
| Car insurance/mo | $145 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $158 |
| Internet/mo | $60 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $56K |
| State income tax rate | 4.0% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6.0% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 89 |
| Walk score / 100 | 38 |
Is Lexington affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,595/mo take-home
52% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,994/mo take-home
45% rent burden · Difficult
$60K
~$3,593/mo take-home
38% rent burden · Tight
$75K
~$4,491/mo take-home
30% rent burden · Manageable
$80K
~$4,790/mo take-home
28% rent burden · Manageable
$100K
~$5,988/mo take-home
23% rent burden · Comfortable
$120K
~$6,755/mo take-home
20% rent burden · Very comfortable
$150K
~$8,444/mo take-home
16% rent burden · Very comfortable
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only