Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Lincoln is 10% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,045/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ≈ Same
$69,991/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 9%
$248,200 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 26%
$1,140/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ≈ Same
291,932
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,025/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Lincoln or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Des Moines?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Des Moines?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $6,025/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Iowa?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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