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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Lexington is 66% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,101/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 149%
$67,631/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 87%
$272,100 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 282%
$1,160/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 127%
321,122
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,641/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $19,692/year.

Median household income is $58,838/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Lexington or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Cambridge?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,641/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Cambridge?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $58,838/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Massachusetts?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Cambridge details →

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