City comparison
Yes. Lexington's crime index is 102 versus 144 in Glendale, and its violent crime index is 72 versus 135, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Lexington is cheaper. Median rent is $1,164 a month versus $1,528 in Glendale.
Climate is the sharpest divide between Lexington and Glendale. Lexington averages 52°F while Glendale averages 81°F, a difference that affects utility bills, outdoor lifestyle, and how you feel nine months of the year. Rent runs $1,164 versus $1,528.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Lexington costs less and Glendale pays more: the right call depends on whether you are optimizing for take-home pay or monthly burn rate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Lexington at $1,164 average has pockets that run $964 and others at $1,564: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Lexington and Glendale are 1,577 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,164 a month in Lexington to $1,528 a month in Glendale, up $364 a month (31%).
Median household income goes from $69,479 in Lexington to $73,530 in Glendale, up $4,051 (6%).
The crime index goes from 102 in Lexington to 144 in Glendale, up 42 points (41%).
The move
Glendale and Lexington are 1,577 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,528 a month in Glendale to $1,164 a month in Lexington, down $364 a month (24%).
Median household income goes from $73,530 in Glendale to $69,479 in Lexington, down $4,051 (6%).
The crime index goes from 144 in Glendale to 102 in Lexington, down 42 points (29%).
Lexington, KY
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Glendale, AZ
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Lexington and Glendale? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
24% cheaper
Lexington rent is 24% cheaper than Glendale
Lexington
Winner$1,164/mo
Glendale
$1,528/mo
Typical rent runs $1,164 a month in Lexington versus $1,528 in Glendale, so Lexington is 24% cheaper. That's roughly $364/month back in your pocket ($4,368/year). Over five years that's $21,840 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Glendale, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Lexington is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Lexington? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
6% higher
Glendale's median income is 6% higher than Lexington
Lexington
$69,479
Glendale
Winner$73,530
Median household income is $73,530 in Glendale versus $69,479 in Lexington, so typical pay runs 6% higher in Glendale (about $4,051 more household income a year). The income edge is modest. Treat it as extra negotiating context, not a reason to ignore rent, schools, or climate. Remote workers especially should not treat citywide pay as a personal raise if their employer will not localize salary.
Crime index
29% lower crime
Lexington's crime index is 29% lower than Glendale
Lexington
Winner102 (100 = avg)
Glendale
144 (100 = avg)
Lexington's crime index is 102 versus 144 in Glendale (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 29% lower in Lexington. That gap is meaningful day-to-day. It affects whether you feel comfortable walking at night, leaving your car on the street, or letting kids play outside unsupervised. Indexes still compress a lot of reality: a calmer city has blocks you would skip, and a higher-crime city has streets that feel neighborly at 10 p.m. On the everyday test of walking from the car to the door, Lexington is the easier city. Glendale can still work if you pick the right pocket. Just budget more diligence before you sign a lease.
Typical weather
52% more comfortable
Glendale weather is 52% more comfortable than Lexington
Lexington
52°F avg · 63°F highs · comfort 64/100
Glendale
Winner81°F avg · 87°F highs · comfort 97/100
Lexington averages about 52°F (63°F highs); Glendale averages about 81°F (87°F highs). Lexington averages around 52°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Glendale averages around 81°F. Glendale scores 52% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Lexington if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy
Lexington is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 24% cheaper here at about $1,164 a month. Choose Lexington if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Lexington is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 29% lower than Glendale (102 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 6% higher ($73,530), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 81°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Bottom line
Lexington (52°F) and Glendale (81°F) are not interchangeable on climate — about 29°F apart on typical temperatures. Rent ($1,164 vs $1,528) and pay ($69,479 vs $73,530) still matter, yet most movers regret ignoring the forecast row.
Glendale still pays more locally ($73,530 median income vs $69,479), which can offset the lease if your field pays Glendale rates.
Safety scores read 59/100 in Lexington and 49/100 in Glendale.
Pick Lexington when 52°F is the daily environment you want. Otherwise, Glendale's case rests on 81°F you prefer and $1,528 rent you can sustain.
Common questions
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