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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Lincoln is 70% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,045/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 156%
$69,991/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 99%
$248,200 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 366%
$1,140/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 146%
291,932
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,633/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $19,596/year.

Median household income is $69,335/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Lincoln or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,633/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $69,335/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Carlsbad details →

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