Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Lincoln is 68% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,045/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 162%
$69,991/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 81%
$248,200 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 319%
$1,140/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 131%
291,932
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,697/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $20,364/year.

Median household income is $56,478/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Lincoln or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Cambridge?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,697/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Cambridge?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $56,478/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Massachusetts?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

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