Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
Lexington is 27% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento 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 Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Lexington costs $245,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Lexington versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Lexington scores 96 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Lexington (94) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Lexington is $55,648 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lexington.
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