Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Fresno is 31% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,324/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 21%
$66,804/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↑ 5%
$348,500 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 29%
$1,391/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 18%
543,615
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.64%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $3,187/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Fresno or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Lincoln?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Lincoln?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $3,187/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between California and Nebraska?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Lincoln details →

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