Average Rent in Lexington, KY (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Lexington, KY is $1,121/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 38 ZIP codes. Rents have changed +5.3% year over year. Rents range from $890 to $1,500.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$1,121/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 38 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↑ +5.3%
Source: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Lexington, KY is $1,121/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 38 ZIP codes. Rents have increased 5.3% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Lexington is 6% below the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Lexington, KY ranges from $890 to $1,500 across 38 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Lexington, KY is approximately 5.3% for 2026. An increase above 5.3% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in Lexington, KY?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Lexington, KY is $1,121/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 38 ZIP codes. Rents range from $890 to $1,500 depending on neighborhood — a $610/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $44,840/year.
Is rent going up in Lexington?
Rents in Lexington have increased 5.3% year over year based on local market data. This is a notably high rate of increase, indicating strong upward rent pressure in Lexington.
What is a fair rent increase in Lexington?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 5.3% is in line with the Lexington market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.
Rent Trends in Lexington
+5.3%
Rents in Lexington are rising at +5.3% year-over-year.
✓ Verified trend
Market sources range from +3.9% to +10.0%
Why the range? Zillow ZORI tracks what landlords are asking for units (+5.8%), while Apartment List tracks what renters actually sign leases at (+3.9%).Landlords are asking more than renters are paying — this suggests renters may have negotiating leverage in Lexington right now.
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in Lexington?
Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.
A studio in Lexington typically rents for $917 – $990.
Rents above $1,139 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Lexington typically rents for $1,121 – $1,211.
Rents above $1,393 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Lexington typically rents for $1,322 – $1,428.
Rents above $1,642 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Lexington typically rents for $1,814 – $1,959.
Rents above $2,253 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Lexington typically rents for $2,018 – $2,179.
Rents above $2,506 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Lexington
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$917
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$1,121
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$1,322
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$1,814
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$2,018
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Lexington
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
Showing top 20 of 38 zip codes.
SAFMR rates are zip-specific.
How Does Lexington Compare?
Questions about rent in Lexington
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Lexington, KY?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Lexington, KY is $1,121/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 38 ZIP codes in the city. This is 6% below the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $890 to $1,500 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Lexington?
A rent increase up to about 5.3% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Lexington. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $1,121/month.
Are rents going up or down in Lexington?
Rents in Lexington have increased 5.3% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 38 ZIP codes in the Lexington-Fayette, KY MSA area.
How much do rents vary across Lexington?
1-bedroom rents across Lexington range from $890 to $1,500 on this page, a $610/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.
Can my landlord raise my rent in Lexington?
We could not identify a city-specific rent cap for Lexington. Landlords must still follow applicable state and local notice rules before raising rent at lease renewal. Requirements vary — check your state's landlord-tenant statute for specifics on notice periods and timing.
How much should I spend on rent in Lexington?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Lexington at $1,121/month, a household would need approximately $44,840/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.
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Renter Tools
Browse Lexington ZIP Codes
See rent data by ZIP code in this city.
Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in Kentucky →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in Kentucky.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →