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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Lincoln is 54% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,045/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 109%
$69,991/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 75%
$248,200 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 143%
$1,140/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 95%
291,932
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,135/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $13,620/year.

Median household income is $52,238/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Lincoln or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $1,135/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $52,238/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Elk Grove

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