Is Washington, DC cheaper than Lexington, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 63.4% more expensive than Lexington, KY. This translates to spending an extra $4758 per month.

What salary do I need in Washington, DC to live like I do in Lexington, KY?

If you earn $150,000 in Lexington, KY, you'd need approximately $207,096.774 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lexington, KY and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 165.6% more expensive than in Lexington, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $1,390/month in Lexington, KY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lexington, KY to Washington, DC?

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $4758 more per month than Lexington, KY, or $57097 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lexington, KY vs Washington, DC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

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 $4.8K/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $207.1K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 63.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,758

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$57.1K

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:

163

(63% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Lexington, KY

The Bluegrass State

323K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lexington, KY vs Washington, DC

Category	Lexington, KY	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,339/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $3,872more	165.6%
Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $669more	55.1%
Other	$1,641/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $184more	11.2%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $120more	12.5%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$632/mo	↑ $80.54more	14.6%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$508/mo	↑ $43.71more	9.4%

Housing

↑ 165.6%

Lexington, KY

$2,339

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$3,872

Transportation

↑ 55.1%

Lexington, KY

$1,216

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$669

Other

↑ 11.2%

Lexington, KY

$1,641

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$184

Groceries

↑ 12.5%

Lexington, KY

$959

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$120

Healthcare

↑ 14.6%

Lexington, KY

$551

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$80.54

All Utilities

↑ 9.4%

Lexington, KY

$464

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$43.71

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Washington, DC 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$2,150

↑ $1,190

1 Bed

From$1,180

To$2,215

↑ $1,035

2 Bed

From$1,390

To$2,470

↑ $1,080

3 Bed

From$1,900

To$3,115

↑ $1,215

Lexington, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $940–$1,500/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$4,970

Difference

Home Values

Lexington

Washington

$345K

Median Value

$556K

↑ +5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +43.5%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$214K - $711K

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 61% more expensive than Lexington

Calculate payment - Lexington Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$304

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.4%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Lexington, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

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.