Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Lincoln is 69% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,045/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 140%
$69,991/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 130%
$248,200 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 385%
$1,140/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 127%
291,932
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,460/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $17,520/year.

Median household income is $91,309/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Lincoln or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Bellevue?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,460/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Bellevue?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $91,309/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Washington?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

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