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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Lexington is 21% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,101/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 29%
$67,631/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$67,544/yr ≈ Same
$272,100 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 25%
$1,160/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 31%
321,122
Population
205,501

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $87/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Worcester — common questions

Is Lexington or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Worcester?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Worcester?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $87/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 Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lexington details → View Worcester details →

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