Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Madison, WI (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Lincoln is 25% cheaper than Madison.

$1,045/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 31%
$69,991/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 10%
$248,200 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$346,900 ↑ 40%
$1,140/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 29%
291,932
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
7.65%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $319/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $3,828/year.

Median household income is $6,992/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Madison — common questions

Is Lincoln or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Madison?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $319/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Madison?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $6,992/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Wisconsin?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Madison details →

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