Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Lincoln is 6% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,045/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 24%
$69,991/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 13%
$248,200 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 8%
$1,140/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ≈ Same
291,932
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $254/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $3,048/year.

Median household income is $9,044/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Lincoln or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Lakeland?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $254/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Lakeland?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $9,044/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Florida?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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