Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Houston is 14% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,313/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 20%
$62,894/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↑ 11%
$253,400 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 2%
$1,316/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 13%
2,300,419
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.64%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $7,097/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Houston or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Lincoln?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Lincoln?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $7,097/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Nebraska?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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