Cost of Living in Lexington, MA
Population 34,085 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Lexington run well above the national baseline, with a median of $1.1 million, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $219,402 place the city among the better-paid Massachusetts metros. An unemployment rate of 3.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 7 miles northwest of Cambridge, Lexington falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 10% higher than Cambridge's $1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lexington
The median home value in Lexington is $1,147,900 — 276% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,816/month, 114% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $219,402/year is 194% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Massachusetts's top state income tax rate is 9.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 61.3°F and lows of 39.7°F. Overall, Lexington has a cost of living index of 312 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 212% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 37 | 39 | 48 | 60 | 70 | 79 | 85 | 84 | 76 | 64 | 52 | 42 |
| Low °F | 18 | 19 | 27 | 37 | 47 | 56 | 62 | 60 | 52 | 41 | 32 | 24 |
| Precip" | 2.90 | 2.69 | 3.85 | 3.84 | 3.36 | 3.72 | 3.51 | 3.47 | 3.54 | 4.24 | 3.72 | 3.76 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lexington, MA?
Lexington has a cost index of 312 (100 = national average). It is 212% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lexington, MA?
The median gross rent in Lexington is $2,816 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lexington?
The median home value in Lexington is $1,147,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lexington?
The median household income in Lexington is $219,402 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lexington, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lexington is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Lexington, MA affordable?
Lexington is above average in cost of living, with an index of 312 — about 212% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Lexington?
Lexington has average high temperatures of 61.3°F and average lows of 39.7°F. Annual precipitation is 42.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lexington at a Glance
- Population
- 34,085
- Median Income
- $219,402
- Home Value
- $1,147,900
- Median Rent
- $2,816/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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