Is Lexington, KY cheaper than Jacksonville, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Lexington, KY is 1.1% cheaper than Jacksonville, FL. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Lexington, KY to live like I do in Jacksonville, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Jacksonville, FL, you'd need approximately $149,042.553 in Lexington, KY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Jacksonville, FL and Lexington, KY?

Housing in Lexington, KY is 5.9% more expensive than in Jacksonville, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,390/month in Lexington, KY compared to $1,530/month in Jacksonville, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Jacksonville, FL to Lexington, KY?

Moving from Jacksonville, FL to Lexington, KY could save you approximately $80 per month, or $957 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Jacksonville, FL vs Lexington, KY: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Jacksonville, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $79.79/month moving to Lexington, KY

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.0K in Lexington, KY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Jacksonville, FL area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$79.79

Savings

Annual Impact

$957

Per year

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

Jacksonville, FL

Population:950K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$289K

Lexington, KY

Population:323K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$345K

Jacksonville, FL

The Sunshine State

950K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 950K residents.

💡 Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

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: Jacksonville, FL vs Lexington, KY

Category	Jacksonville, FL	Lexington, KY	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,209/mo	$2,339/mo	↑ $130more	5.9%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$464/mo	↓ $109less	19.0%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $68.30less	5.3%
Groceries	$1,019/mo	$959/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.9%
Healthcare	$570/mo	$551/mo	↓ $18.59less	3.3%
Other	$1,624/mo	$1,641/mo	↑ $16.74more	1.0%

Housing

↑ 5.9%

Jacksonville, FL

$2,209

Lexington, KY

$2,339

Difference

$130

All Utilities

↓ 19.0%

Jacksonville, FL

$574

Lexington, KY

$464

Difference

$109

less

Transportation

↓ 5.3%

Jacksonville, FL

$1,284

Lexington, KY

$1,216

Difference

$68.30

less

Groceries

↓ 5.9%

Jacksonville, FL

$1,019

Lexington, KY

$959

Difference

$59.96

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.3%

Jacksonville, FL

$570

Lexington, KY

$551

Difference

$18.59

less

Other

↑ 1.0%

Jacksonville, FL

$1,624

Lexington, KY

$1,641

Difference

$16.74

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Jacksonville, FL 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$1,250

To$960

↓ $290

1 Bed

From$1,270

To$1,180

↓ $90.00

2 Bed

From$1,530

To$1,390

↓ $140

3 Bed

From$1,890

To$1,900

↑ $10.00

Jacksonville, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$2,070/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.

$7,280

Monthly in Jacksonville, FL

$7,170

Monthly in Lexington, KY

$109

Difference

Home Values

Jacksonville

Lexington

$289K

Median Value

$345K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +5%

↑ +31.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +43.5%

$102K - $535K

Price Range

$214K - $711K

Homes in Lexington are 19% more expensive than Jacksonville

Calculate payment - Jacksonville Calculate payment - Lexington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$625

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Jacksonville, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Jacksonville, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

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.