Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Lincoln and Allentown have a similar cost of living.

$1,045/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 21%
$69,991/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 24%
$248,200 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 24%
$1,140/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 9%
291,932
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $224/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $2,688/year.

Median household income is $16,588/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Allentown — common questions

Is Lincoln or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Allentown?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $224/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Allentown?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $16,588/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Pennsylvania?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Allentown details →

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