Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Lexington is 7% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $69,750 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 Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Lexington costs $245,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $105,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Lexington versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Lexington scores 96 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Lexington (94) are lower than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Lexington is $55,648 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lexington.
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