Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Lincoln is 24% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,045/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ≈ Same
$69,991/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 37%
$248,200 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 44%
$1,140/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 13%
291,932
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $25,615/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Lincoln or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Birmingham?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Birmingham?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $25,615/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Alabama?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

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