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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Lincoln is 20% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,045/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↑ 1%
$69,991/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 20%
$248,200 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 40%
$1,140/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 10%
291,932
Population
198,440

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,304/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Lincoln or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Montgomery?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $14/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Montgomery?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $14,304/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 Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Montgomery details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Montgomery

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park