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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Fontana

California
146

Lincoln is 47% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,045/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 66%
$69,991/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 40%
$248,200 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 125%
$1,140/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 75%
291,932
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $688/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $8,256/year.

Median household income is $28,196/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Fontana — common questions

Is Lincoln or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Fontana?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $688/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Fontana?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $28,196/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Fontana details →

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