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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Lexington is 4% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,101/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↑ 1%
$67,631/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 24%
$272,100 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 18%
$1,160/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 10%
321,122
Population
154,751

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 Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $16,292/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Springfield — common questions

Is Lexington or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Springfield?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Springfield?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $16,292/year higher in Lexington.
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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Springfield details →

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