Moving from Boulder to Lexington (2026)
Lexington has a COL index of 89 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 33% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Lexington to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 33% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Lexington |
|---|---|
| $40K | $26,970 |
| $50K | $33,712 |
| $60K | $40,455 |
| $75K | $50,568 |
| $80K | $53,939 |
| $100K | $67,424 |
| $120K | $80,909 |
| $150K | $101,136 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Lexington
| Expense | Boulder | Lexington |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,491 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $414 | $365 |
| Transport | $80 | $60 |
| Utilities | $138 | $158 |
| Internet | $68 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,498 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Lexington cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Lexington has a cost of living index of 89 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 33% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Lexington?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Lexington could save roughly $1,007/month on core expenses. That's ~$12,084/year.
What salary do I need in Lexington to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $50,568/year in Lexington. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only