Cost of Living in Lexington, KY - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,317 monthly including rent, or $1,109 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,410 with rent, or $1,989 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,503 including rent, or $2,870 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$14.75 $14.75
$11.80 $11.80
$24.58 $24.58
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$71.0 $71.0
$50.7 $50.7
$101 $101
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.20 $10.20
$8.85 $8.85
$10.20 $10.20
Cappuccino
$5.05 $5.05
$3.06 $3.06
$6.64 $6.64
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.28 $2.28
$2.03 $2.03
$3.04 $3.04
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.75 $1.75
$1.47 $1.47
$2.94 $2.94
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.84 $4.84
$3.06 $3.06
$6.12 $6.12
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$8.04 $8.04
$6.03 $6.03
$8.04 $8.04
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.71 $0.71
$0.63 $0.63
$0.76 $0.76
White Bread (500g)
$2.89 $2.89
$1.94 $1.94
$3.26 $3.26
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.58 $4.58
$1.63 $1.63
$6.06 $6.06
Eggs
$3.20 $3.20
$1.56 $1.56
$4.91 $4.91
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.77 $12.77
$8.70 $8.70
$32.60 $32.60
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.02 $11.02
$5.88 $5.88
$13.85 $13.85
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$16.43 $16.43
$8.91 $8.91
$21.85 $21.85
Apples (1kg)
$4.81 $4.81
$3.38 $3.38
$5.63 $5.63
Banana (1kg)
$1.24 $1.24
$0.86 $0.86
$2.77 $2.77
Oranges (1kg)
$3.50 $3.50
$2.39 $2.39
$9.20 $9.20
Tomato (1kg)
$4.53 $4.53
$2.66 $2.66
$5.60 $5.60
Potato (1kg)
$3.37 $3.37
$1.67 $1.67
$6.70 $6.70
Onion (1kg)
$3.24 $3.24
$2.82 $2.82
$4.63 $4.63
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.04 $2.04
$1.54 $1.54
$3.17 $3.17
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.77 $1.77
$0.59 $0.59
$2.68 $2.68
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$8.08 $8.08
$5.75 $5.75
$15.24 $15.24
Wine (Bottle)
$12.78 $12.78
$5.90 $5.90
$14.75 $14.75
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.80 $2.80
$1.78 $1.78
$4.42 $4.42
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.23 $3.23
$2.52 $2.52
$5.04 $5.04
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.99 $0.99
$0.99 $0.99
$2.47 $2.47
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$30.54 $30.54
$30.54 $30.54
$35.63 $35.63
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$5.11 $5.11
$3.07 $3.07
$5.11 $5.11
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.63 $1.63
$1.56 $1.56
$2.19 $2.19
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$29.72 $29.72
$26.88 $26.88
$35.63 $35.63
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.78 $0.78
$0.69 $0.69
$0.88 $0.88
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$23.3K $23.3K
$23.3K $23.3K
$23.3K $23.3K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.3K $26.3K
$25.4K $25.4K
$28.5K $28.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$207 $207
$91.4 $91.4
$399 $399
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$72.6 $72.6
$43.77 $43.77
$91.6 $91.6
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$67.8 $67.8
$54.6 $54.6
$89.3 $89.3
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$35.38 $35.38
$25.27 $25.27
$50.6 $50.6
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$30.06 $30.06
-
Cinema Ticket
$14.79 $14.79
$11.83 $11.83
$16.76 $16.76
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,168 $1,168
$651 $651
$2,002 $2,002
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$24.7K $24.7K
$16.6K $16.6K
$26.9K $26.9K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$58.2 $58.2
$21.69 $21.69
$74.4 $74.4
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$35.11 $35.11
$15.05 $15.05
$40.13 $40.13
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$103 $103
$70.6 $70.6
$151 $151
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$157 $157
$49.39 $49.39
$247 $247
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,105 $1,105
$791 $791
$1,780 $1,780
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,034 $1,034
$881 $881
$1,266 $1,266
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,102 $2,102
$1,644 $1,644
$2,790 $2,790
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,731 $1,731
$1,316 $1,316
$2,226 $2,226
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,079 $2,079
$2,047 $2,047
$2,112 $2,112
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,106 $2,106
$2,073 $2,073
$2,139 $2,139
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$4,059 $4,059
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.67
6.19
6.8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,105 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,034 outside the center. At 27% of the average salary ($4,059), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $4,059, while typical expenses reach $2,317. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $370 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $71.0 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $30.54 per month.

Cost Highlights

Milk is cheaper than 99% of cities in North America

Gasoline is cheaper than 91% of cities in North America

Local beer is more expensive than 90% of cities in North America

Lexington, KY Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Lexington, KY - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Lexington compare in terms of overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Lexington offers a balance of value and lifestyle, attractive for longer stays. You’ll find a range of rental options from compact apartments to family-sized homes in established neighborhoods, with prices often more predictable than coastal hubs. For a nomad who cycles between workspaces, flexible leases and nearby coworking spots help you keep routine without overspending on housing. Cost of Living in Lexington, KY, United States tends to be moderate, especially if you prioritize walkable districts and access to transit. Tip: map a weekly budget around housing, groceries, and transport to stay flexible and focused.
What does daily life look like in Lexington for housing search, food options, transport, coworking, and errands?
Daily life leans toward practicality with a strong sense of community. Housing search often centers on central neighborhoods like the historic core and student-friendly areas, where rental options vary by size and proximity to parks. Food options range from farmers markets and casual eateries to diverse groceries; cooking at home helps manage costs. For remote work, coworking spaces and cafes can be reliable bases. Lexington, KY, United States living cost stays approachable when you choose a walkable area and pre-plan errands. Tip: start your search with a short list of must-haves and a flexible move-in window.
How does the quality of life translate into budgeting, seasonality, and neighborhood fit in Lexington?
Quality of life in Lexington rewards steady budgeting and neighborhood fit. Build a simple framework: core fixed costs (housing, utilities) plus flexible spending on food and transport, with a monthly reserve for surprises like seasonal heating or car maintenance. Choose a neighborhood that matches your pace – downtown for walkability, or suburban pockets for quiet mornings and parks. In spring and fall, outdoor activities and events spike, while winter can add a predictable bump in heating needs. Tip: test a few neighborhood day-trips and track one-month expenses to compare living patterns without numbers.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Lexington, KY?
With 27% of the average paycheck going to rent, Lexington, KY is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What is the average cost of living in Lexington, KY?
A single person in Lexington, KY typically spends $2,317 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $1,109. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Can you save money on an average salary in Lexington, KY?
At $4,059 take-home, most residents in Lexington, KY can cover the $2,317 monthly cost of living. Those earning $3,475 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What are typical rents in Lexington, KY?
Where you live in Lexington, KY makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,105; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $1,034. Overall, the market runs from $1,034 to $1,105 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Lexington, KY?
A regular gym membership in Lexington, KY costs around $35.38 monthly. It's a reasonable expense that fits into most budgets, and you generally get decent facilities for the price.
What is a typical grocery budget in Lexington, KY?
Expect to spend around $370 per month on groceries in Lexington, KY. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
Can a person live on $2,000 monthly in Lexington, KY?
Living on $2,000 in Lexington, KY means careful planning, since monthly costs average $2,317. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Can you retire comfortably in Lexington, KY?
Retirees thrive in Lexington, KY – living costs average around $2,317 monthly, healthcare is affordable and accessible, and the overall vibe supports a fulfilling, low-stress retirement.

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