Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Lincoln is 40% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,045/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 56%
$69,991/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 29%
$248,200 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 89%
$1,140/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 48%
291,932
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $587/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $7,044/year.

Median household income is $20,047/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Charleston — common questions

Is Lincoln or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Charleston?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $587/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Charleston?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $20,047/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and South Carolina?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Charleston details →

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