Cost of Living in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY
Population 321,122 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lexington-Fayette urban county lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $272,000 — 11% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Kentucky.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lexington-Fayette urban county
The median home value in Lexington-Fayette urban county is $272,100 — 11% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,101/month, 16% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,631/year is 9% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Kentucky's top state income tax rate is 4.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 66.3°F and lows of 46.3°F, with about 14.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lexington-Fayette urban county has a cost of living index of 87 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 42 | 47 | 56 | 67 | 76 | 84 | 87 | 86 | 80 | 69 | 56 | 46 |
| Low °F | 25 | 28 | 36 | 45 | 55 | 63 | 67 | 65 | 58 | 47 | 36 | 30 |
| Precip" | 3.42 | 3.64 | 4.48 | 4.42 | 5.44 | 4.96 | 5.12 | 3.71 | 3.42 | 3.66 | 3.37 | 4.20 |
| Snow" | 4.7 | 4.5 | 2.8 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 1.9 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY?
Lexington-Fayette urban county has a cost index of 87 (100 = national average). It is 13% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY?
The median gross rent in Lexington-Fayette urban county is $1,101 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lexington-Fayette urban county?
The median home value in Lexington-Fayette urban county is $272,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Lexington-Fayette urban county?
The median household income in Lexington-Fayette urban county is $67,631 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lexington-Fayette urban county is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.
Is Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY affordable?
Yes, Lexington-Fayette urban county is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 87 — about 13% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lexington-Fayette urban county?
Lexington-Fayette urban county has average high temperatures of 66.3°F and average lows of 46.3°F. Annual precipitation is 49.8". Average annual snowfall is 14.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lexington-Fayette urban county at a Glance
- Population
- 321,122
- Median Income
- $67,631
- Home Value
- $272,100
- Median Rent
- $1,101/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
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