Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Cincinnati is 10% cheaper than Lincoln.

$953/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↑ 10%
$51,707/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↑ 35%
$215,300 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$248,200 ↑ 15%
$1,041/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↑ 10%
309,595
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
6.64%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $18,284/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Lincoln?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Lincoln?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $18,284/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Nebraska?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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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