Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Lincoln is 45% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,045/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 67%
$69,991/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 23%
$248,200 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 121%
$1,140/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 52%
291,932
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $701/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $8,412/year.

Median household income is $15,798/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Lincoln or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Lakewood?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $701/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Lakewood?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $15,798/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Colorado?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

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