Versailles, KY vs. Lexington, KY: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Versailles vs Lexington. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Versailles vs Lexington in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Versailles and Lexington compare for typical options:
| Housing Type | Versailles | Lexington |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $950 | $1,200 |
| 3BR Home (Median Price) | $280,000 | $340,000 |
🏆 Winner: Versailles. Housing costs an estimated 15-20% less in Versailles compared to Lexington.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a monthly expense to factor in. In Versailles and Lexington, here’s what to expect:
- Electricity: $120/month in Versailles, $140/month in Lexington
- Natural gas: $40/month in Versailles, $50/month in Lexington
- Water/sewer/trash: $60/month in Versailles, $75/month in Lexington
Utility costs rise about 30% in summer with air conditioning. Both cities offer budget billing to spread costs evenly.
🏆 Winner: Versailles. Utility bills average about 15% lower than Lexington.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
For groceries and everyday items, Versailles is the more affordable option:
- Groceries are about 10% cheaper at stores like Kroger or Walmart
- Dining out costs around $12/meal in Versailles vs $15 in Lexington
- Gas prices are typically $0.10/gal lower in Versailles
🏆 Winner: Versailles takes the lead again for daily expenses.
Taxes and Fees
Don’t overlook taxes and service fees in your budget:
- Property tax: 0.8% in Versailles, 1.1% in Lexington
- Vehicle tax: 1.5% in Versailles, 2% in Lexington
- HOA fees: $100-300/month in Versailles, $150-400/month in Lexington
In Versailles, many HOAs include services like lawn care and trash pickup.
🏆 Winner: Versailles has the edge for lower taxes and fees.
Cost Summary
| Category | Versailles | Lexington |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR home) | $1,500 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $220 | $265 |
| Groceries | $500 | $550 |
| Transportation | $200 | $250 |
| Taxes & Fees | $400 | $550 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,220 | $3,915 |
These pre-tax income figures show that living in Versailles is about 18% cheaper overall than Lexington, largely due to lower housing and tax costs. For more details, see our Monthly Budget Examples for Versailles Residents.
Lifestyle Fit
While Versailles wins on cost, Lexington offers tradeoffs that could be worth the premium for some:
- More walkable neighborhoods and public transit
- Shorter commutes to major employers
- Wider range of housing options
However, Versailles delivers more space and quiet for the money: New homes average 2,400 sq ft in Versailles vs 2,000 sq ft in Lexington.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Versailles more affordable than Lexington? Yes, Versailles has a lower overall cost of living, about 18% cheaper than Lexington.
- Which city has lower rent? Typical rent is around 20% less in Versailles. A 2BR apartment averages $950/month vs $1,200 in Lexington.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Median home prices are about $60,000 lower in Versailles compared to Lexington.
The Bottom Line
Versailles offers significant savings over Lexington, especially for housing. It’s a great fit for those prioritizing space and affordability. However, Lexington’s walkability and location still make it attractive for some lifestyles, if the higher costs fit your budget.
Choosing between the two comes down to your priorities. Be sure to run the numbers for your specific situation and check out our full Cost of Living in Versailles guide for more insights.