Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Lincoln is 4% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,045/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 7%
$69,991/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 27%
$248,200 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 14%
$1,140/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 6%
291,932
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $71/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $852/year.

Median household income is $18,997/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Lincoln or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Knoxville?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $71/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Knoxville?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $18,997/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Tennessee?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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