Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Durham, NC (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Lincoln is 28% cheaper than Durham.

$1,045/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 35%
$69,991/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 13%
$248,200 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 43%
$1,140/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 26%
291,932
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.5%
Sales Tax
4.75%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $367/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $4,404/year.

Median household income is $9,243/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Durham — common questions

Is Lincoln or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Durham?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $367/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Durham?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $9,243/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and North Carolina?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Durham details →