Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 11.0% more expensive than Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY. This translates to spending an extra $823 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ 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 $159,870.968 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 19.2% more expensive than in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ 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 Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $823 more per month than Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY, or $9871 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY vs Phoenix, AZ: 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 $823/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.9K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 11.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$823

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.9K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$414K

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

The Bluegrass State

320K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,339/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $450more	19.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $273more	22.5%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$561/mo	↑ $96.72more	20.8%
🏥Healthcare	$551/mo	$589/mo	↑ $37.17more	6.7%
📦Other	$1,641/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $36.83more	2.2%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$963/mo	↑ $4.00more	0.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 19.2%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$2,339

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$450

🚗Transportation

↑ 22.5%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$1,216

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$273

⚡All Utilities

↑ 20.8%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$464

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$96.72

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.7%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$551

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$37.17

📦Other

↑ 2.2%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$1,641

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$36.83

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$959

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$4.00

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$720

To$1,390

↑ $670

1 Bed

From$820

To$1,510

↑ $690

2 Bed

From$1,000

To$1,750

↑ $750

3 Bed

From$1,350

To$2,330

↑ $980

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$897

Difference

Home Values

Lexington-Fayette urban county

Phoenix

Median Value

$414K

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$189

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.