Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Lincoln is 27% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,045/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 40%
$69,991/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 11%
$248,200 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 35%
$1,140/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 36%
291,932
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $420/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $5,040/year.

Median household income is $7,424/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Manchester — common questions

Is Lincoln or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Manchester?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $420/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Manchester?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $7,424/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and New Hampshire?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Manchester details →

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