01 · the cities
Lexington
Lexington is the Thoroughbred horse capital of the world, with bluegrass-fed horse farms surrounding the city in white-fenced perfection. Keeneland racetrack is one of the most beautiful in the world. The bourbon trail starts right here. Downtown is small but tightening up nicely with food and bars. The University of Kentucky's blue bleeds through everything.
full dispatch→Tallahassee
Tallahassee feels more like south Georgia than Florida: oak canopies, rolling hills, and red clay. It's the state capital, home to Florida State (Seminole football is a religion) and FAMU, and surrounded by some of the best springs in the country (Wakulla and Wakulla Springs State Park are 20 minutes south). The food scene leans southern with serious Cuban influence. Cooler in summer than the rest of the state.
full dispatch→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$1,488/mo
$1,527/mo
Median home price
Median home price
$324k
$289k
$36k less than Lexington
State income tax
State income tax
4.5%
0%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$6,470/mo
$6,806/mo
Tallahassee has $336/mo more gross after rent at $100k
Gross left after rent reflects state income tax but not federal, based on $100k salary. Enter your salary to find your ideal city.
03 · the weather
Pleasant days/yr
Pleasant days/yr
171 days
186 days
15 more than Lexington
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
1 days
35 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
19 days
0 days
days below 20°F per year
Tallahassee has 34 more days above 95°F each year than Lexington. Lexington drops below 20°F on 19 more days per year than Tallahassee.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
60 / 100
58 / 100
2.0 pts behind Lexington
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
13 routes
7 routes
6 fewer direct routes than Lexington
Metro size
Metro size
520k metro
393k metro
Lexington has 21.0x more events per month than Tallahassee.
the verdict
3
Lexington
categories won
5
Tallahassee
categories won
Tallahassee wins on money and weather. Lexington has the edge on lifestyle.
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