Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Lincoln is 5% cheaper than Hartford.

$1,045/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 17%
$69,991/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 35%
$248,200 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 12%
$1,140/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↑ 12%
291,932
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.73%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $176/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $2,112/year.

Median household income is $24,691/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Hartford — common questions

Is Lincoln or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Hartford?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $176/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Hartford?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $24,691/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Connecticut?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

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