Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Lexington is 14% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $64,583 in Lexington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Kentucky salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Lexington sits at 82 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $245,000 in Lexington, a difference of $115,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,200 in Lexington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Asheville scores 103 while Lexington scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Lexington (94). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $55,648 in Lexington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lexington.
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