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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Columbus is 8% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,224/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 15%
$65,327/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↑ 7%
$234,500 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$248,200 ↑ 6%
$1,243/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 8%
906,480
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $4,664/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Columbus or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Lincoln?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $179/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Lincoln?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $4,664/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 Columbus or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Lincoln details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Lincoln

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham