Data last updated: August 2026

Chicago, ILLexington, KY

You would need around 44.9% less money in Lexington, KY to maintain the same standard of living you have in Chicago, IL.

Overall Cost of Living

44.9%

Lexington, KY is cheaper than Chicago, IL

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,406 USD
City B1,138 USD
Difference-52.7%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A293 USD
City B258 USD
Difference-11.9%

Average Net Salary

City A5,136 USD
City B3,992 USD
Difference-22.3%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Chicago, IL to Lexington, KY? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Lexington, KY is 44.9% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Lexington, KY's center costs around 1,138 USD, which is a staggering 52.7% less than in Chicago, IL. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Chicago, IL and Lexington, KY is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Lexington, KY to maintain your current lifestyle in Chicago, IL.

USD

You need in Lexington, KY

2,828 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Chicago, IL to Lexington, KY and investing the 45% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 6.7 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Chicago, IL budget to local Lexington, KY prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1138 USD
Groceries258 USD
Utilities & Internet275 USD

Investment Planner

You save 1268 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Lexington, KY.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~213,024 USD in 10 years.