Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Austin is 74% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,655/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 37%
$91,461/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 23%
$512,700 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 52%
$1,747/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 35%
967,862
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.64%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $610/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $7,320/year.

Median household income is $21,470/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Austin or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Lincoln?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $610/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Lincoln?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $21,470/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Nebraska?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,045/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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