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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Downey

California
169

Lincoln is 54% cheaper than Downey.

$1,045/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 81%
$69,991/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 25%
$248,200 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 194%
$1,140/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 75%
291,932
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $847/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $10,164/year.

Median household income is $17,409/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Downey — common questions

Is Lincoln or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Downey?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $847/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Downey?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $17,409/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Downey details →

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