Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Athens, GA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Lincoln is 7% cheaper than Athens.

$1,045/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 11%
$69,991/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 26%
$248,200 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 10%
$1,140/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 2%
291,932
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $117/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $1,404/year.

Median household income is $18,336/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Athens — common questions

Is Lincoln or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Athens?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $117/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Athens?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $18,336/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Georgia?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Athens details →

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