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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Lincoln is 5% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,045/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↑ 13%
$69,991/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 19%
$248,200 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 31%
$1,140/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↑ 1%
291,932
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $13,596/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Lincoln or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $13,596/year higher in Lincoln.
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 Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,179/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Fayetteville details →

More Comparisons

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