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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Lincoln is 54% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,045/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 110%
$69,991/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 46%
$248,200 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 139%
$1,140/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 95%
291,932
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,146/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $13,752/year.

Median household income is $32,330/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Lincoln or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Fairfield?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,146/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Fairfield?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $32,330/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Fairfield

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