Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Lincoln is 44% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,045/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 59%
$69,991/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 19%
$248,200 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 121%
$1,140/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 48%
291,932
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $616/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $7,392/year.

Median household income is $13,607/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Lincoln or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $616/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $13,607/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Colorado?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Fort Collins

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas