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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Lincoln is 41% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,045/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 66%
$69,991/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 16%
$248,200 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 75%
$1,140/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 61%
291,932
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $691/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $8,292/year.

Median household income is $11,160/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Lincoln or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Palmdale?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $691/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Palmdale?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $11,160/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Palmdale

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona