Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Lexington is 6% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,101/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 5%
$67,631/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↑ 3%
$272,100 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 9%
$1,160/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 2%
321,122
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
6.64%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $2,360/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Lexington or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Lincoln?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $56/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Lincoln?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $2,360/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Nebraska?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% 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 Lexington or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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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