Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Lexington is 16% more affordable than Reno. A $75,000 salary in Reno is equivalent to $62,838 in Lexington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Kentucky salaries · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Lexington has a housing index of 82 while Reno sits at 133 (national average = 100). The median home in Lexington costs $245,000 compared to $450,000 in Reno, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Lexington versus $1,600 in Reno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Lexington scores 96 while Reno scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Lexington (94) are lower than Reno (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Lexington is $55,648 compared to $61,648 in Reno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lexington.
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