Moving from Raleigh to Lexington (2026)
Lexington has a COL index of 89 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 12% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Lexington to match your Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 12% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in Lexington |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,248 |
| $50K | $44,059 |
| $60K | $52,871 |
| $75K | $66,089 |
| $80K | $70,495 |
| $100K | $88,119 |
| $120K | $105,743 |
| $150K | $132,178 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs Lexington
| Expense | Raleigh | Lexington |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,491 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $365 | $365 |
| Transport | $70 | $60 |
| Utilities | $150 | $158 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $2,498 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $352 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Raleigh — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lexington cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. Lexington has a cost of living index of 89 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 12% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Lexington?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to Lexington saves roughly $381/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,572/year.
What salary do I need in Lexington to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $66,089/year in Lexington. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only