Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
Lexington is 27% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $54,492 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Lexington has a housing index of 82 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Lexington costs $245,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $255,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Lexington versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Lexington scores 96 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Lexington (94) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Lexington is $55,648 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lexington.
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