Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Lincoln is 38% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,045/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 62%
$69,991/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 9%
$248,200 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 65%
$1,140/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 53%
291,932
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $651/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $7,812/year.

Median household income is $6,092/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

Nebraska has a lower income tax rate, making Lincoln slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Lincoln or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Lancaster?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $651/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Lancaster?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $6,092/year higher in Lancaster.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and California?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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