Is Austin, TX cheaper than Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 10.8% more expensive than Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY. This translates to spending an extra $806 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY?

If you earn $150,000 in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY, you'd need approximately $159,677.419 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 23.3% more expensive than in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,000/month in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $806 more per month than Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY, or $9677 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY — COL adjusted from Lexington, KY area + state data

Current salary in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $806/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.7K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 10.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$806

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.7K

Per year

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

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Population:320K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$345K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$558K

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

The Bluegrass State

320K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 320K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY vs Austin, TX

Category	Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,339/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $546more	23.3%
📦Other	$1,641/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $100more	6.1%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$541/mo	↑ $76.50more	16.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $68.30more	5.6%
🏥Healthcare	$551/mo	$589/mo	↑ $37.17more	6.7%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 23.3%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$2,339

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$546

📦Other

↑ 6.1%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$1,641

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$100

⚡All Utilities

↑ 16.5%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$464

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$76.50

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.6%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$1,216

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$68.30

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.7%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$551

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$37.17

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$959

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$720

To$1,585

↑ $865

1 Bed

From$820

To$1,685

↑ $865

2 Bed

From$1,000

To$1,995

↑ $995

3 Bed

From$1,350

To$2,525

↑ $1,175

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,170

Monthly in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$828

Difference

Home Values

Lexington-Fayette urban county

Austin

Median Value

$558K

YoY Change

↓ -5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$625

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Lexington-Fayette urban county, 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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas 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

Additional Tax Information

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.