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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Lincoln is 56% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,045/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 89%
$69,991/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 29%
$248,200 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 208%
$1,140/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 77%
291,932
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $926/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $11,112/year.

Median household income is $20,175/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Lincoln or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $926/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $20,175/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Garden Grove

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins