Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Lexington is 13% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $65,187 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 · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Lexington has a housing index of 82 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Lexington costs $245,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $195,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Lexington versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Lexington scores 96 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Lexington (94) are lower than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Lexington is $55,648 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lexington.
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