Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Kent, WA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Lincoln is 47% cheaper than Kent.

$1,045/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 75%
$69,991/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 29%
$248,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 117%
$1,140/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 68%
291,932
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $788/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $9,456/year.

Median household income is $20,425/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Kent — common questions

Is Lincoln or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Kent?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $788/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Kent?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $20,425/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Washington?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Kent details →

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