Example household · Tampa, FL · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

Lexington skyline

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Tampa vs Lexington

Tampa and Lexington

Photo: Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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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 Tampa to Lexington

In 2022-2023, 72 households filed a move from Tampa to Lexington (about 114 people, average adjusted gross income $64,042). 71 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,506 in Tampa and $1,135 in Lexington. Tampa 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 94% in Tampa.

Lexington averages 194 sunny days, with July highs around 87°F and January nights around 30°F. Tampa is 244 sunny days, 90°F in July, 52°F in January. Commutes average 22 minutes in Lexington and 27 in Tampa.

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.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 72 households moved Tampa → Lexington (about 114 people, average AGI $64,042). 71 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 Tampa and Lexington changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 838 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$2,500–$4,650
Container or pod
$1,750–$3,250
Rent a truck
$900–$1,700

Movers in Lexington and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Lexington cheaper than Tampa after tax and rent?

Yes. Lexington leaves about $130 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,506 in Tampa 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 Tampa 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.