Cost of Living Comparison for Lincoln, NE
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Lincoln's cost of living index is 87 — 13% cheaper than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
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How Lincoln Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Lincoln stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $235,000 | $420,800 | -44.2% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $795 | $1,713 | -53.6% |
| Median Household Income | $60,800 | $74,580 | -18.5% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.60% | 1.10% | +45.5% |
| Cost of Living Index | 87 | 100 | -13.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Lincoln Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 360,000
- Unemployment
- 2.6%
- Avg Commute
- 19 min
- Median Age
- 31.8
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 24.6x
- Annual Property Tax
- $3,760
Cost of Living Comparison in Other Nebraska Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Lincoln
What is the median home price in Lincoln, NE?
The median home price in Lincoln is $235,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Lincoln?
Median monthly rent in Lincoln is $795. That works out to $9,540/year, or 16% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Lincoln affordable?
Lincoln's cost of living index is 87 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $60,800/year and a median home price of $235,000, the price-to-income ratio is 3.9x. Lincoln remains relatively affordable compared to many US metros.
What is the property tax rate in Lincoln?
The effective property tax rate in Lincoln is 1.60% of assessed value. On the median home of $235,000, that's roughly $3,760/year ($313/month).