Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Lincoln and Lubbock have a similar cost of living.

$1,045/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↑ 9%
$69,991/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 14%
$248,200 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 20%
$1,140/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↑ 3%
291,932
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $9,504/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Lincoln or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Lubbock?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Lubbock?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $9,504/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Texas?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,137/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Lubbock details →

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