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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

$
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You'd spend $337/month more in Lexington, KY

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.0K in Lexington, KY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
4.5%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$337
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$4.0K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Greensboro, NC

Population:302K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$229K

Lexington, KY

Population:323K
Cost Index:
104
(4% above avg)
Median Home:$345K

Greensboro, NC

The Tar Heel State

302K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 302K residents.

Lexington, KY

The Bluegrass State

323K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 323K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Greensboro, NC vs Lexington, KY

Housing
9.8%
Greensboro, NC
$2,131
Lexington, KY
$2,339
Difference
$208
more
Other
4.3%
Greensboro, NC
$1,574
Lexington, KY
$1,641
Difference
$66.96
more
All Utilities
10.5%
Greensboro, NC
$519
Lexington, KY
$464
Difference
$54.64
less
Healthcare
8.2%
Greensboro, NC
$601
Lexington, KY
$551
Difference
$49.57
less
Transportation
1.1%
Greensboro, NC
$1,202
Lexington, KY
$1,216
Difference
$13.66
more
Groceries
0.0%
Greensboro, NC
$959
Lexington, KY
$959
Difference
$0
same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Lexington, KY: Lexington Occupational Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Greensboro, NC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,220
To$960
$260
1 Bed
From$1,280
To$1,180
$100
2 Bed
From$1,400
To$1,390
$10.00
3 Bed
From$1,790
To$1,900
$110
Greensboro, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,070$1,600/mo

Lexington, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $940$1,500/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,986
Monthly in Greensboro, NC
$7,170
Monthly in Lexington, KY
$184
Difference

Home Values

Greensboro
Lexington
$229K
Median Value
$345K
↓ -0.7%
YoY Change
↑ +5%
↑ +35.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +43.5%
$179K - $364K
Price Range
$214K - $711K

Homes in Lexington are 51% more expensive than Greensboro

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$375
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$31.25
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.3%
Rate difference

Greensboro, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Lexington, KY

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Kentucky State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.7%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,791/month
$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Greensboro, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

Lexington, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Greensboro
Lexington
47 Good
Air Quality
41 Good
57.4%
Good Air Days
79.2%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
92 Moderate
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌪💨
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+3.0°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
21 days
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+3.0°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
21 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between North Carolina and Kentucky on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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