Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Lexington is 12% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $65,802 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 Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Lexington costs $245,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $155,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Lexington versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Lexington scores 96 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Lexington (94) are lower than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Lexington is $55,648 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lexington.
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