Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Boston is 115% more expensive than Lexington.

$2,093/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 47%
$94,755/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↓ 29%
$710,400 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$272,100 ↓ 62%
$2,176/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 47%
663,972
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $992/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $11,904/year.

Median household income is $27,124/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Lexington — common questions

Is Boston or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Lexington?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $992/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Lexington?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $27,124/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Kentucky?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Lexington has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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