| Index | Lexington | Massachusetts | National |
| Cost of living | 210 | 131 | 100 |
| Groceries | 107 | 109 | 100 |
| Health care | 112 | 116 | 100 |
| Housing | 438 | 169 | 100 |
| Transportation | 114 | 115 | 100 |
| Utilities | 112 | 117 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 113 | 115 | 100 |
| Household Items | 108 | 109 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 127 | 127 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Lexington? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Lexington stands at 210, making it 110% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.
If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Lexington may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Lexington falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.
Housing costs are a major factor in the Lexington cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 338.4% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.
Is Lexington affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Lexington, for instance, where the median home price falls 417.5% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 153.8% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Lexington flaunting a median household income of $280,113, 244.4% higher than the national norm.
Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Lexington, the transportation index is 13.5% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Lexington, the utilities index is 12.3% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Lexington are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $319,280 | $26,607 | $7,449 | $9,579 |
| Renters | $130,661 | $10,888 | $3,049 | $3,920 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Massachusetts | 6.25% | 6.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Massachusetts | 5% | 9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Lowell, MA | 114,170 | 126 | 25.9% |
| Maynard, MA | 11,308 | 133 | 32.8% |
| Lynn, MA | 97,235 | 134 | 34.4% |
| Chelsea, MA | 41,000 | 135 | 35.2% |
| Littleton Common, MA | 3,465 | 138 | 38.3% |
| Lexington, MA | 34,058 | 210 | 110.4% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Hinesville, GA | 34,062 | 95 | 5.0% |
| Parkland, FL | 34,063 | 171 | 71.0% |
| Holland, MI | 34,035 | 97 | 2.6% |
| Baldwin, NY | 34,096 | 145 | 44.6% |
| Nacogdoches, TX | 33,996 | 94 | 6.2% |
| Lexington, MA | 34,058 | 210 | 110.4% |
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