Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs College Station, TX (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Lincoln is 15% cheaper than College Station.

$1,045/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 12%
$69,991/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 26%
$248,200 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 32%
$1,140/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 10%
291,932
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $18,215/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs College Station — common questions

Is Lincoln or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and College Station?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or College Station?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $18,215/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Texas?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

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