Uprootmap
Nashville vs Lexington
Nashville 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 Nashville to Lexington
In 2022-2023, 60 households filed a move from Nashville to Lexington (about 89 people, average adjusted gross income $83,633). 98 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,392 in Nashville and $1,135 in Lexington. Nashville has no 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 97% in Nashville.
Lexington averages 194 sunny days, with July highs around 87°F and January nights around 30°F. Nashville is 208 sunny days, 89°F in July, 30°F in January. Commutes average 22 minutes in Lexington and 27 in Nashville.
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, 60 households moved Nashville → Lexington (about 89 people, average AGI $83,633). 98 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 Nashville and Lexington changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 226 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,750–$3,300
- Container or pod
- $1,200–$2,250
- Rent a truck
- $500–$900
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Dig into Lexington
Questions
Is Lexington cheaper than Nashville after tax and rent?
No. Lexington leaves about $59 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,392 in Nashville 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 Nashville 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.