Uprootmap
Chicago vs Lexington
Chicago and Lexington
Photo: Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Lexington are above the US rate in this release, 8.1 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Chicago to Lexington
In 2022-2023, 74 households filed a move from Chicago to Lexington (about 106 people, average adjusted gross income $63,338). 88 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,782 in Chicago and $1,135 in Lexington. Chicago has a state tax on wages. Lexington has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Lexington is 89% of the national level for the same work, against 105% in Chicago.
Lexington averages 194 sunny days, with July highs around 87°F and January nights around 30°F. Chicago is 189 sunny days, 84°F in July, 20°F in January. Commutes average 22 minutes in Lexington and 33 in Chicago.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 74 households moved Chicago → Lexington (about 106 people, average AGI $63,338). 88 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Chicago and Lexington changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 372 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,950–$3,650
- Container or pod
- $1,350–$2,500
- Rent a truck
- $600–$1,100
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Dig into Lexington
Questions
Is Lexington cheaper than Chicago after tax and rent?
Yes. Lexington leaves about $569 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,782 in Chicago and $1,135 in Lexington.
Does Lexington have state income tax?
Lexington is in Kentucky, which taxes wage income, plus a local wage tax of 1.50%.
Did people actually move from Chicago to Lexington?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.