01 · the cities
New York
New York is the city that refuses to take a nap. Five boroughs of bodegas, bagels, late-night dollar slices, and entire neighborhoods that switch languages every six blocks. The subway is a 472-station miracle that runs all night, and Central Park is the green lung that keeps Manhattan sane. You will spend more than you planned and love every minute of it.
full dispatch→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→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$3,329/mo
$1,488/mo
$1,841/mo less than New York (124%)
Median home price
Median home price
$739k
$324k
$415k less than New York
State income tax
State income tax
10.7%
4.5%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$4,110/mo
$6,470/mo
Lexington has $2,360/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
171 days
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
1 days
1 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
19 days
19 days
days below 20°F per year
New York and Lexington have remarkably similar weather profiles overall.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
78 / 100
60 / 100
18.0 pts behind New York
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
215 routes
13 routes
202 fewer direct routes than New York
Metro size
Metro size
19.5M metro
520k metro
New York has 93.0x more events per month than Lexington.
the verdict
2
New York
categories won
4
Lexington
categories won
Lexington wins on money. New York has the edge on lifestyle.
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