Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Lincoln is 35% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,045/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 53%
$69,991/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 9%
$248,200 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 59%
$1,140/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 47%
291,932
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $558/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $6,696/year.

Median household income is $6,214/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Lowell — common questions

Is Lincoln or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Lowell?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $558/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Lowell?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $6,214/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Massachusetts?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Lowell details →

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