Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Lexington, KY?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 54.8% more expensive than Lexington, KY. This translates to spending an extra $4113 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Lexington, KY?

If you earn $150,000 in Lexington, KY, you'd need approximately $199,354.839 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lexington, KY and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 123.3% more expensive than in Lexington, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,390/month in Lexington, KY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lexington, KY to San Diego, CA?

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $4113 more per month than Lexington, KY, or $49355 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lexington, KY vs San Diego, CA: 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 $4.1K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $199.4K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 54.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,113

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$49.4K

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

155

(55% above avg)

Median Home:$980K

Lexington, KY

The Bluegrass State

323K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lexington, KY vs San Diego, CA

Category	Lexington, KY	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,339/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $2,885more	123.3%
Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $355more	29.2%
Other	$1,641/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $251more	15.3%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$634/mo	↑ $169more	36.5%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $120more	12.5%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$638/mo	↑ $86.74more	15.7%

Housing

↑ 123.3%

Lexington, KY

$2,339

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,885

Transportation

↑ 29.2%

Lexington, KY

$1,216

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$355

Other

↑ 15.3%

Lexington, KY

$1,641

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$251

All Utilities

↑ 36.5%

Lexington, KY

$464

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$169

Groceries

↑ 12.5%

Lexington, KY

$959

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$120

Healthcare

↑ 15.7%

Lexington, KY

$551

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$86.74

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Diego, CA 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$2,565

↑ $1,605

1 Bed

From$1,180

To$2,755

↑ $1,575

2 Bed

From$1,390

To$3,360

↑ $1,970

3 Bed

From$1,900

To$4,475

↑ $2,575

Lexington, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $940–$1,500/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$3,867

Difference

Home Values

Lexington

San Diego

$345K

Median Value

$980K

↑ +5%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +43.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$214K - $711K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 184% more expensive than Lexington

Calculate payment - Lexington Calculate payment - San Diego

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$261

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

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

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Lexington, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

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.