Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Indianapolis is 4% cheaper than Lincoln.

$1,112/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 6%
$62,995/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↑ 11%
$207,000 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$248,200 ↑ 20%
$1,124/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↑ 1%
882,043
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
6.64%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $6,996/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Lincoln?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Lincoln?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $6,996/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Nebraska?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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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