Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Lexington is 8% more affordable than Durham. A $75,000 salary in Durham is equivalent to $69,059 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. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Lexington sits at 82 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $245,000 in Lexington, a difference of $95,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,200 in Lexington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Lexington scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Lexington (94).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $55,648 in Lexington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lexington.
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