Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Lincoln is 5% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$1,045/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 11%
$69,991/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 13%
$248,200 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 4%
$1,140/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 2%
291,932
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $110/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $1,320/year.

Median household income is $8,963/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Lincoln or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $110/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $8,963/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Tennessee?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Chattanooga details →

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