Is Arlington, VA cheaper than Lexington, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Arlington, VA is 59.7% more expensive than Lexington, KY. This translates to spending an extra $4476 per month.

What salary do I need in Arlington, VA to live like I do in Lexington, KY?

If you earn $150,000 in Lexington, KY, you'd need approximately $203,707.562 in Arlington, VA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lexington, KY and Arlington, VA?

Housing in Arlington, VA is 133.5% more expensive than in Lexington, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,325/month in Arlington, VA compared to $1,390/month in Lexington, KY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lexington, KY to Arlington, VA?

Living in Arlington, VA costs approximately $4476 more per month than Lexington, KY, or $53708 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lexington, KY vs Arlington, VA: 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 Lexington, KY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.5K/month more in Arlington, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $203.7K in Arlington, VA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 59.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,476

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$53.7K

Per year

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

Lexington, KY

Population:323K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$345K

Arlington, VA

Population:239K

Cost Index:

160

(60% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Lexington, KY

The Bluegrass State

323K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Arlington, VA

The Old Dominion State

239K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 239K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lexington, KY vs Arlington, VA

Category	Lexington, KY	Arlington, VA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,339/mo	$5,461/mo	↑ $3,122more	133.5%
Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,842/mo	↑ $626more	51.5%
Other	$1,641/mo	$1,783/mo	↑ $142more	8.7%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,067/mo	↑ $107more	11.2%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$625/mo	↑ $73.22more	13.3%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$502/mo	↑ $37.83more	8.1%

Housing

↑ 133.5%

Lexington, KY

$2,339

Arlington, VA

$5,461

Difference

$3,122

Transportation

↑ 51.5%

Lexington, KY

$1,216

Arlington, VA

$1,842

Difference

$626

Other

↑ 8.7%

Lexington, KY

$1,641

Arlington, VA

$1,783

Difference

$142

Groceries

↑ 11.2%

Lexington, KY

$959

Arlington, VA

$1,067

Difference

$107

Healthcare

↑ 13.3%

Lexington, KY

$551

Arlington, VA

$625

Difference

$73.22

All Utilities

↑ 8.1%

Lexington, KY

$464

Arlington, VA

$502

Difference

$37.83

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Arlington, VA 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$960

To$1,578

↑ $618

1 Bed

From$1,180

To$1,827

↑ $647

2 Bed

From$1,390

To$2,325

↑ $935

3 Bed

From$1,900

To$3,239

↑ $1,339

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.

$7,170

Monthly in Lexington, KY

$11,279

Monthly in Arlington, VA

$4,109

Difference

Home Values

Lexington

Arlington

$345K

Median Value

↑ +5%

YoY Change

↑ +43.5%

5-Year Change

$214K - $711K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Lexington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $868

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$72.29

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

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

Arlington, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

Lexington, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Arlington, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.