Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Mobile, AL (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Lincoln is 17% more expensive than Mobile.

$1,045/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ↓ 2%
$69,991/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↓ 27%
$248,200 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$170,300 ↓ 31%
$1,140/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 11%
291,932
Population
185,097

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,901/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Mobile slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Mobile — common questions

Is Lincoln or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Mobile?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Mobile?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $18,901/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Alabama?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Mobile has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,029/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Mobile details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Mobile

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale