Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Garland, TX (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Lincoln is 20% cheaper than Garland.

$1,045/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 46%
$69,991/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↑ 7%
$248,200 ≈ Same
Home Value
$248,900 ≈ Same
$1,140/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 27%
291,932
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $480/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $5,760/year.

Median household income is $4,726/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Garland — common questions

Is Lincoln or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Garland?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $480/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Garland?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $4,726/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Texas?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Garland has a cost index of 96 with rent of $1,525/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Garland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Garland

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington