Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Boise, ID (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Lincoln is 31% cheaper than Boise.

$1,045/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 30%
$69,991/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 16%
$248,200 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 84%
$1,140/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 17%
291,932
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $11,317/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Boise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Boise — common questions

Is Lincoln or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Boise?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Boise?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $11,317/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Idaho?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Boise has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,359/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Boise details →

More Comparisons

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