Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Billings, MT (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Lincoln is 10% cheaper than Billings.

$1,045/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 5%
$69,991/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 3%
$248,200 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 26%
$1,140/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 3%
291,932
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
6.75%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $1,864/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Billings — common questions

Is Lincoln or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Billings?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Billings?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $1,864/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Montana?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Billings details →

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