Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Boston is 129% more expensive than Lincoln.

$2,093/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 50%
$94,755/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 26%
$710,400 ↑ 186%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 65%
$2,176/mo ↑ 91%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 48%
663,972
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.64%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,048/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $12,576/year.

Median household income is $24,764/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Nebraska has a lower income tax rate, making Lincoln slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Boston or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Lincoln?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $1,048/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Lincoln?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $24,764/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Nebraska?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
View Boston details → View Lincoln details →

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