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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Cleveland is 34% cheaper than Lincoln.

$894/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↑ 17%
$39,187/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↑ 79%
$94,100 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$248,200 ↑ 164%
$866/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↑ 32%
367,523
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

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $30,804/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Cleveland or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Lincoln?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $151/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Lincoln?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $30,804/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 Cleveland or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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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