Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
48% cheaper
Lexington is 48% more affordable than Cambridge. A $75,000 salary in Cambridge is equivalent to $39,185 in Lexington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Kentucky salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cambridge has a housing index of 280 while Lexington sits at 82 (national average = 100). The median home in Cambridge costs $890,000 compared to $245,000 in Lexington, a difference of $645,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,100 in Cambridge versus $1,200 in Lexington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Cambridge scores 110 while Lexington scores 96.
Healthcare costs in Cambridge (118) are higher than Lexington (94).
Median household income in Cambridge is $103,154 compared to $55,648 in Lexington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lexington.
Amazon affiliate links