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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Ontario

California
152

Lincoln is 49% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,045/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 83%
$69,991/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 18%
$248,200 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 129%
$1,140/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 73%
291,932
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $871/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $10,452/year.

Median household income is $12,815/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Ontario — common questions

Is Lincoln or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Ontario?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $871/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Ontario?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $12,815/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Ontario

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