Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

$
Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $728/month moving to Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.3K in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC area
Overall Cost
9.7%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$728
Savings
Annual Impact
$8.7K
Per year

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

Virginia Beach, VA

Population:459K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$447K

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Population:320K
Cost Index:
90
(10% below avg)
Median Home:$345K

Virginia Beach, VA

The Old Dominion State

459K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 459K residents.

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: Virginia Beach, VA vs Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Housing
14.3%
Virginia Beach, VA
$2,729
Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY
$2,339
Difference
$390
less
Other
6.7%
Virginia Beach, VA
$1,758
Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY
$1,641
Difference
$117
less
All Utilities
19.0%
Virginia Beach, VA
$574
Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY
$464
Difference
$109
less
Healthcare
12.7%
Virginia Beach, VA
$632
Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY
$551
Difference
$80.54
less
Transportation
5.3%
Virginia Beach, VA
$1,284
Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY
$1,216
Difference
$68.30
less
Groceries
0.0%
Virginia Beach, VA
$959
Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY
$959
Difference
$0
same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,780
To$720
$1,060
1 Bed
From$1,800
To$820
$980
2 Bed
From$2,040
To$1,000
$1,040
3 Bed
From$2,830
To$1,350
$1,480
Virginia Beach, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,690$2,120/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.

$7,935
Monthly in Virginia Beach, VA
$7,170
Monthly in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY
$765
Difference

Home Values

Virginia Beach
Lexington-Fayette urban county
$447K
Median Value
-
↑ +2.7%
YoY Change
-
↑ +33.5%
5-Year Change
-
$318K - $640K
Price Range
-

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$868
Per year
Monthly Difference
$72.29
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.6%
Rate difference

Virginia Beach, VA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Virginia State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,718/month
$104.6K

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

Virginia Beach, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%
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.

Environment

Virginia Beach
Lexington-Fayette urban county
36 Good
Air Quality
41 Good
80.3%
Good Air Days
79.2%
58 Low
Climate Risk
92 Moderate
None
Top Hazards
🌪💨
+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
+3.0°F
17 days
Heat Days >95°F
21 days
+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
+3.0°F
17 days
Heat Days >95°F
21 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Virginia and Kentucky on TaxTakeHome.com

Similar cost to Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Other cities in a similar price range

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison