Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Lincoln and Dearborn have a similar cost of living.

$1,045/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 21%
$69,991/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 7%
$248,200 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 17%
$1,140/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 3%
291,932
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $219/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $2,628/year.

Median household income is $4,799/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Lincoln or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Dearborn?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $219/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Dearborn?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $4,799/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Michigan?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Dearborn details →

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