Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Lexington, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 11.0% more expensive than Lexington, 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, KY?

If you earn $150,000 in Lexington, 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, KY and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 19.2% more expensive than in Lexington, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,390/month in Lexington, KY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lexington, KY to Phoenix, AZ?

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

Lexington, KY vs Phoenix, AZ: 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 $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, KY

Population:323K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$345K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$414K

Lexington, KY

The Bluegrass State

323K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 323K 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, KY vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Lexington, 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, KY

$2,339

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$450

🚗Transportation

↑ 22.5%

Lexington, KY

$1,216

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$273

⚡All Utilities

↑ 20.8%

Lexington, KY

$464

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$96.72

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.7%

Lexington, KY

$551

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$37.17

📦Other

↑ 2.2%

Lexington, KY

$1,641

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$36.83

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Lexington, KY

$959

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$4.00

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Phoenix, AZ 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$1,390

↑ $430

1 Bed

From$1,180

To$1,510

↑ $330

2 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,750

↑ $360

3 Bed

From$1,900

To$2,330

↑ $430

Lexington, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $940–$1,500/mo

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, KY

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$897

Difference

Home Values

Lexington

Phoenix

$345K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +43.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$214K - $711K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 20% more expensive than Lexington

Calculate payment - Lexington 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, 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, 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.