Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Lincoln is 49% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,045/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 72%
$69,991/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 62%
$248,200 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 142%
$1,140/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 71%
291,932
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $757/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $9,084/year.

Median household income is $43,405/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Arvada — common questions

Is Lincoln or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Arvada?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $757/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Arvada?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $43,405/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Colorado?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Arvada details →

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