Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Lincoln and Lafayette have a similar cost of living.

$1,045/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 2%
$69,991/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 12%
$248,200 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 1%
$1,140/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 7%
291,932
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

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

Median household income is $8,537/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Lincoln or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Lafayette?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $20/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Lafayette?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $8,537/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Louisiana?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Lafayette

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