Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Lincoln is 66% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,045/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 129%
$69,991/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 57%
$248,200 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 325%
$1,140/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 116%
291,932
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,350/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $16,200/year.

Median household income is $40,082/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Nebraska has a lower income tax rate, making Lincoln slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Lincoln or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,350/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $40,082/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and California?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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