Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Lincoln is 36% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,045/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 49%
$69,991/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 16%
$248,200 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 75%
$1,140/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 44%
291,932
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $507/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $6,084/year.

Median household income is $11,098/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Lincoln or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $507/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $11,098/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Michigan?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Ann Arbor details →

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