Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Denver is 91% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,770/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 41%
$91,681/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 24%
$586,700 ↑ 136%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 58%
$1,839/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 38%
713,734
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.64%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $725/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $8,700/year.

Median household income is $21,690/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Denver or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Lincoln?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $725/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Lincoln?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $21,690/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Nebraska?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Lincoln details →

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