Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Modesto

California
120

Lincoln is 36% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,045/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 54%
$69,991/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 11%
$248,200 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 67%
$1,140/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 41%
291,932
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $564/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $6,768/year.

Median household income is $7,908/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Modesto — common questions

Is Lincoln or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Modesto?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $564/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Modesto?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $7,908/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and California?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Modesto

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