Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Lexington, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 4.3% more expensive than Lexington, KY. This translates to spending an extra $323 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Lexington, KY?

If you earn $150,000 in Lexington, KY, you'd need approximately $153,870.968 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lexington, KY and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 5.6% more expensive than in Lexington, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,390/month in Lexington, KY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lexington, KY to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $323 more per month than Lexington, KY, or $3871 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lexington, KY vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Lexington, KY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $323/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 4.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$323

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.9K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$512K

Lexington, KY

The Bluegrass State

323K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lexington, KY vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Lexington, KY	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,339/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $130more	5.6%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$546/mo	↑ $81.96more	17.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $68.30more	5.6%
📦Other	$1,641/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $66.96more	4.1%
🏥Healthcare	$551/mo	$601/mo	↑ $49.57more	9.0%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 5.6%

Lexington, KY

$2,339

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$130

⚡All Utilities

↑ 17.6%

Lexington, KY

$464

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$81.96

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.6%

Lexington, KY

$1,216

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$68.30

📦Other

↑ 4.1%

Lexington, KY

$1,641

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$66.96

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.0%

Lexington, KY

$551

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$49.57

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Lexington, KY

$959

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Raleigh, NC 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$1,570

↑ $610

1 Bed

From$1,180

To$1,640

↑ $460

2 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,800

↑ $410

3 Bed

From$1,900

To$2,255

↑ $355

Lexington, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $940–$1,500/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$397

Difference

Home Values

Lexington

Raleigh

$345K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +43.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$214K - $711K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 48% more expensive than Lexington

Calculate payment - Lexington Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $375

Per year

Monthly Difference

$31.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Lexington, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.