Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Lincoln is 4% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,045/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↑ 2%
$69,991/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 8%
$248,200 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 8%
$1,140/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 2%
291,932
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,503/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Columbia — common questions

Is Lincoln or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Columbia?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $22/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Columbia?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $5,503/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Missouri?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Columbia details →

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