Is Dallas, TX cheaper than Lexington, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Dallas, TX is 8.6% more expensive than Lexington, KY. This translates to spending an extra $645 per month.

What salary do I need in Dallas, TX to live like I do in Lexington, KY?

If you earn $150,000 in Lexington, KY, you'd need approximately $157,741.935 in Dallas, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lexington, KY and Dallas, TX?

Housing in Dallas, TX is 2.2% more expensive than in Lexington, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,765/month in Dallas, TX compared to $1,390/month in Lexington, KY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lexington, KY to Dallas, TX?

Living in Dallas, TX costs approximately $645 more per month than Lexington, KY, or $7742 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lexington, KY vs Dallas, TX: 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 $645/month more in Dallas, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.7K in Dallas, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 8.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$645

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$7.7K

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

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:

109

(9% above avg)

Median Home:$292K

Lexington, KY

The Bluegrass State

323K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lexington, KY vs Dallas, TX

Category	Lexington, KY	Dallas, TX	Difference	Change
Other	$1,641/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $134more	8.2%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$563/mo	↑ $98.36more	21.2%
Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,298/mo	↑ $81.96more	6.7%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$632/mo	↑ $80.54more	14.6%
Housing	$2,339/mo	$2,391/mo	↑ $51.97more	2.2%
Groceries	$959/mo	$979/mo	↑ $19.99more	2.1%

Other

↑ 8.2%

Lexington, KY

$1,641

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Difference

$134

All Utilities

↑ 21.2%

Lexington, KY

$464

Dallas, TX

$563

Difference

$98.36

Transportation

↑ 6.7%

Lexington, KY

$1,216

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Difference

$81.96

Healthcare

↑ 14.6%

Lexington, KY

$551

Dallas, TX

$632

Difference

$80.54

Housing

↑ 2.2%

Lexington, KY

$2,339

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Difference

$51.97

Groceries

↑ 2.1%

Lexington, KY

$959

Dallas, TX

$979

Difference

$19.99

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Dallas, TX 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$1,450

↑ $490

1 Bed

From$1,180

To$1,505

↑ $325

2 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,765

↑ $375

3 Bed

From$1,900

To$2,220

↑ $320

Lexington, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $940–$1,500/mo

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/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

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$467

Difference

Home Values

Lexington

Dallas

$345K

Median Value

$292K

↑ +5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +43.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.1%

$214K - $711K

Price Range

$138K - $2.01M

Homes in Dallas are 15% less expensive than Lexington

Calculate payment - Lexington Calculate payment - Dallas

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, 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

Dallas, 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, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Dallas, 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.