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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Lincoln is 7% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,045/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 27%
$69,991/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 4%
$248,200 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 16%
$1,140/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 10%
291,932
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $3,039/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Odessa — common questions

Is Lincoln or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Odessa?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Odessa?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $3,039/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Odessa

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