Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Lincoln is 27% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,045/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 47%
$69,991/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 8%
$248,200 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 31%
$1,140/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 24%
291,932
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $494/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $5,928/year.

Median household income is $5,551/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Lincoln or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Clearwater?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $494/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Clearwater?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $5,551/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Florida?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

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