City comparison
No. Lexington's crime index is 102 versus 223 in Washington, and its violent crime index is 72 versus 243, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Lexington is cheaper. Median rent is $1,164 a month versus $1,954 in Washington.
The income gap between Washington and Lexington is significant: $109,870 median household versus $69,479. That spread matters more if you are job hunting locally than if you are remote. Typical rent is $1,954 in Washington and $1,164 in Lexington.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Lexington costs less and Washington 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
Washington and Lexington are 407 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,954 a month in Washington to $1,164 a month in Lexington, down $790 a month (40%).
Median household income goes from $109,870 in Washington to $69,479 in Lexington, down $40,391 (37%).
The crime index goes from 223 in Washington to 102 in Lexington, down 121 points (54%).
The move
Lexington and Washington are 407 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,164 a month in Lexington to $1,954 a month in Washington, up $790 a month (68%).
Median household income goes from $69,479 in Lexington to $109,870 in Washington, up $40,391 (58%).
The crime index goes from 102 in Lexington to 223 in Washington, up 121 points (119%).
Washington, DC
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Lexington, KY
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Washington and Lexington? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
40% cheaper
Lexington rent is 40% cheaper than Washington
Washington
$1,954/mo
Lexington
Winner$1,164/mo
Typical rent runs $1,164 a month in Lexington versus $1,954 in Washington, so Lexington is 40% cheaper. That's roughly $790/month back in your pocket ($9,480/year). Over five years that's $47,400 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 Washington, 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
58% higher
Washington's median income is 58% higher than Lexington
Washington
Winner$109,870
Lexington
$69,479
Median household income is $109,870 in Washington versus $69,479 in Lexington, so typical pay runs 58% higher in Washington (about $40,391 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Washington is the stronger labor market on paper. Lexington can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
54% lower crime
Lexington's crime index is 54% lower than Washington
Washington
223 (100 = avg)
Lexington
Winner102 (100 = avg)
Lexington's crime index is 102 versus 223 in Washington (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 54% 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. Washington can still work if you pick the right pocket. Just budget more diligence before you sign a lease.
Typical weather
17% more comfortable
Washington weather is 17% more comfortable than Lexington
Washington
Winner56°F avg · 63°F highs · comfort 75/100
Lexington
52°F avg · 63°F highs · comfort 64/100
Washington averages about 56°F (63°F highs); Lexington averages about 52°F (63°F highs). Washington averages around 56°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Lexington averages around 52°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Washington scores 17% 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
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 58% higher ($109,870), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 56°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
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 40% 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 54% lower than Washington (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.
Bottom line
Washington carries the heavier crime signal on this page (36/100 safety vs 59/100 in Lexington). That 23-point spread matters more than the $790 rent gap when you are choosing where to walk after dark.
Washington still pays more locally ($109,870 median income vs $69,479), which can offset the lease if your field pays Washington rates.
Median income is $109,870 in Washington versus $69,479 in Lexington.
If safety drives your move, Lexington is the stronger match (59/100 safety versus 36/100). If an employer or family tie already points to Washington, treat $1,954/month rent and $109,870 income as the numbers that actually govern the decision.
Common questions
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Washington and Lexington, plus other cities in DC and KY.
