Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Independence, MO (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Lincoln is 15% more expensive than Independence.

$1,045/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↑ 2%
$69,991/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 15%
$248,200 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 33%
$1,140/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 8%
291,932
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,511/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Independence — common questions

Is Lincoln or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Independence?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Independence?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $10,511/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Missouri?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Independence

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor