Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Cary, NC (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Lincoln is 43% cheaper than Cary.

$1,045/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 55%
$69,991/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 85%
$248,200 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 112%
$1,140/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 53%
291,932
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $576/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $6,912/year.

Median household income is $59,408/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Cary — common questions

Is Lincoln or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Cary?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $576/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Cary?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $59,408/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and North Carolina?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Cary details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Cary

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside