Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Lincoln is 31% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,045/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 40%
$69,991/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 9%
$248,200 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 59%
$1,140/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 35%
291,932
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.73%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $418/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $5,016/year.

Median household income is $6,117/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Lincoln or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $418/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $6,117/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and New Jersey?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Elizabeth

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland