Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Lincoln is 71% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,045/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 82%
$69,991/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 35%
$248,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 115%
$1,140/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 76%
291,932
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.5%
Sales Tax
6.625%
1.73%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $857/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $10,284/year.

Median household income is $24,822/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Lincoln or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Jersey City?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $857/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Jersey City?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $24,822/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and New Jersey?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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