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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Lincoln is 8% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,045/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 6%
$69,991/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 10%
$248,200 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 28%
$1,140/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 2%
291,932
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $7,271/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Abilene — common questions

Is Lincoln or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Abilene?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Abilene?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $7,271/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Texas?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Abilene

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland