Is Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY cheaper than Raleigh, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY is 4.1% cheaper than Raleigh, NC. This translates to saving $309 per month.

What salary do I need in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY to live like I do in Raleigh, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Raleigh, NC, you'd need approximately $146,288.66 in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Raleigh, NC and Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY?

Housing in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY is 5.3% cheaper than in Raleigh, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,000/month in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC.

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

Moving from Raleigh, NC to Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY could save you approximately $309 per month, or $3711 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Raleigh, NC vs Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY: 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 Raleigh, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $309/month moving to Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.3K in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$309

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$512K

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Population:320K

Cost Index:

(4% below avg)

Median Home:$345K

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

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

The Bluegrass State

320K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 320K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Raleigh, NC vs Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Category	Raleigh, NC	Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,469/mo	$2,339/mo	↓ $130less	5.3%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$464/mo	↓ $81.96less	15.0%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $68.30less	5.3%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,641/mo	↓ $66.96less	3.9%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$551/mo	↓ $49.57less	8.2%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 5.3%

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$2,339

Difference

$130

less

All Utilities

↓ 15.0%

Raleigh, NC

$546

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$464

Difference

$81.96

less

Transportation

↓ 5.3%

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$1,216

Difference

$68.30

less

Other

↓ 3.9%

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$1,641

Difference

$66.96

less

Healthcare

↓ 8.2%

Raleigh, NC

$601

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$551

Difference

$49.57

less

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Raleigh, NC

$959

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$959

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,570

To$720

↓ $850

1 Bed

From$1,640

To$820

↓ $820

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,000

↓ $800

3 Bed

From$2,255

To$1,350

↓ $905

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.

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$7,170

Monthly in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$397

Difference

Home Values

Raleigh

Lexington-Fayette urban county

$512K

Median Value

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

$314K - $992K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $375

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$31.25

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

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

Lexington-Fayette urban county, 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

Additional Tax Information

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.