Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Lexington is 6% more affordable than Mesa. A $75,000 salary in Mesa is equivalent to $70,455 in Lexington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Kentucky salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Lexington has a housing index of 82 while Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Lexington costs $245,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $105,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Lexington versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Lexington scores 96 while Mesa scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Lexington (94) are lower than Mesa (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Lexington is $55,648 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lexington.
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