Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Lincoln is 35% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,045/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 9%
$69,991/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 25%
$248,200 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 48%
$1,140/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 19%
291,932
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
3.05%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $17,740/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Evansville — common questions

Is Lincoln or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Evansville?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Evansville?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $17,740/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Indiana?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Evansville

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow