Is Denver, CO cheaper than Lexington, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 18.3% more expensive than Lexington, KY. This translates to spending an extra $1371 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Lexington, KY?

If you earn $150,000 in Lexington, KY, you'd need approximately $166,451.613 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lexington, KY and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 38.9% more expensive than in Lexington, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,390/month in Lexington, KY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lexington, KY to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1371 more per month than Lexington, KY, or $16452 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lexington, KY vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Lexington, KY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.4K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $166.5K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 18.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,371

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$16.5K

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

Median Home:$345K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:118

Median Home:$513K

Lexington, KY

The Bluegrass State

323K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lexington, KY vs Denver, CO

Category	Lexington, KY	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,339/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $910more	38.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $246more	20.2%
📦Other	$1,641/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $134more	8.2%
🏥Healthcare	$551/mo	$632/mo	↑ $80.54more	14.6%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $69.95more	7.3%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$519/mo	↑ $54.64more	11.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 38.9%

Lexington, KY

$2,339

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$910

🚗Transportation

↑ 20.2%

Lexington, KY

$1,216

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$246

📦Other

↑ 8.2%

Lexington, KY

$1,641

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$134

🏥Healthcare

↑ 14.6%

Lexington, KY

$551

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$80.54

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Lexington, KY

$959

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$69.95

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.8%

Lexington, KY

$464

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$54.64

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Net difference-$3,681/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$960

To$1,720

↑ $760

1 Bed

From$1,180

To$1,840

↑ $660

2 Bed

From$1,390

To$2,190

↑ $800

3 Bed

From$1,900

To$2,870

↑ $970

Lexington, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $940–$1,500/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,494

Difference

Home Values

Lexington

Denver

$345K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +5%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +43.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$214K - $711K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 49% more expensive than Lexington

Calculate payment - Lexington Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $900

Per year

Monthly Difference

$75.00

More 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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Lexington, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.