Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Lincoln is 69% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,045/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 104%
$69,991/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 55%
$248,200 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 444%
$1,140/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 105%
291,932
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,082/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $12,984/year.

Median household income is $38,567/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Nebraska has a lower income tax rate, making Lincoln slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Lincoln or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Berkeley?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,082/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Berkeley?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $38,567/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and California?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Berkeley details →

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