Nicholasville, KY vs. Lexington, KY: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Nicholasville vs Lexington. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Nicholasville vs Lexington in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Nicholasville and Lexington compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Nicholasville | Lexington |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $950 | $1,150 |
| Median 3BR House Price | $275,000 | $325,000 |
🏆 Winner: Nicholasville. Housing costs tend to be 10-20% lower in Nicholasville compared to Lexington.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Typical monthly utility bills for a 2BR apartment range from $180-220 in Nicholasville vs $200-240 in Lexington. Both cities experience hot summers and cool winters, so expect higher A/C bills June through September.
🏆 Winner: Nicholasville has a slight edge on utility costs, but the difference is minor compared to housing.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs and everyday items are comparable between Nicholasville and Lexington. Expect to pay around $350-450 per month for groceries for a couple in either city. Eating out is also similarly priced, with most casual restaurants charging $12-18 for entrees.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Nicholasville and Lexington have very similar costs for groceries and daily expenses.
4. Taxes and Fees
Nicholasville has slightly lower property taxes than Lexington, with rates around 0.8% vs 0.9% of assessed value annually. However, Lexington offers more city services covered by taxes. HOA fees in Nicholasville often include landscaping and trash, ranging from $100-300 monthly.
🏆 Winner: Nicholasville for lower property taxes, but carefully compare HOA fees and city services when choosing a neighborhood.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Nicholasville | Lexington |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $950 | $1,150 |
| Utilities | $200 | $220 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $300 | $250 |
| Taxes | 0.8% | 0.9% |
| Misc | $250 | $300 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,100 | $2,320 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Nicholasville offers a quieter, more suburban feel with larger homes and lots. Lexington provides an urban environment with walkability, public transit, and closer proximity to jobs and universities. Lexington averages 5°F cooler than Nicholasville in the summer.
7. FAQ
- Is Nicholasville more affordable than Lexington? Yes, Nicholasville has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Nicholasville rents are typically 10-20% lower than comparable apartments in Lexington.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Nicholasville home prices are more affordable, with median prices around $50,000 less than Lexington.
8. Conclusion
Nicholasville is the more budget-friendly option, well-suited for families looking for affordable housing and a suburban lifestyle. Lexington’s higher costs come with the perks of city living – diverse neighborhoods, extensive public transit, and a robust job market. Ultimately, your unique budget and priorities will determine which city is the best fit.
For more info, check out our guides on Monthly Budget Examples for Nicholasville Residents and Cost of Living in Nicholasville (2025 Guide). These articles provide further insight into managing finances and expenses in each city.