Lexington vs Tacoma

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Kentucky salaries · Washington salaries

Living in Lexington vs Tacoma

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Lexington has a housing index of 82 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Lexington costs $245,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $155,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Lexington versus $1,600 in Tacoma.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Lexington scores 96 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.

Healthcare costs in Lexington (94) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.

Median household income in Lexington is $55,648 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lexington.

Relocating: Lexington vs Tacoma

If you are considering a move between Lexington (index: 93) and Tacoma (index: 117), the 21% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Lexington is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Lexington can afford $1,298/month, while the median household in Tacoma can afford $1,376/month. With median homes at $245,000 in Lexington versus $400,000 in Tacoma, homeownership requires above-median income in the pricier market.

Renting vs buying: At $1,200/month in Lexington and $1,600/month in Tacoma, renters save significantly in Lexington. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes further in Lexington where costs are 7% below the national average. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Lexington (93) vs Tacoma (117)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Lexington at 93 is 7% below the US average, while Tacoma at 117 is 17% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

The overall index is a weighted average of housing (the largest component), groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Housing typically drives the biggest differences between cities. Even when two cities have similar overall indices, their category-level costs can vary significantly — one city might have expensive housing but cheap groceries, while another is the reverse. Check the category breakdown above for the full picture.

For renters: With median rents of $1,200/month in Lexington and $1,600/month in Tacoma, the annual rent difference is approximately $4,800. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $24,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $155,000 difference in median home prices between Lexington and Tacoma translates to roughly $9,300 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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