Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Lincoln is 13% cheaper than Norfolk.

$1,045/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↑ 19%
$69,991/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 9%
$248,200 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$271,900 ↑ 10%
$1,140/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↑ 20%
291,932
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $5,974/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Norfolk slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Lincoln or Norfolk 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 Norfolk?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Norfolk?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $5,974/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Virginia?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Norfolk details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Norfolk

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Norfolk vs. Arlington Norfolk vs. Enterprise Norfolk vs. Boise Norfolk vs. Spokane Norfolk vs. Scottsdale Norfolk vs. Santa Clarita