Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Lincoln is 4% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,045/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↑ 2%
$69,991/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 13%
$248,200 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 11%
$1,140/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 4%
291,932
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,408/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Lincoln or Little Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Little Rock?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $22/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Little Rock?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $9,408/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Arkansas?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Little Rock details →

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