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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Lincoln is 13% cheaper than Mesquite.

$1,045/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 35%
$69,991/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 3%
$248,200 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 9%
$1,140/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 21%
291,932
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $362/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $4,344/year.

Median household income is $1,852/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Lincoln or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Mesquite?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $362/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Mesquite?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $1,852/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Mesquite details →

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