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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Lincoln is 65% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,045/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 112%
$69,991/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 48%
$248,200 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 321%
$1,140/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 105%
291,932
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,173/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $14,076/year.

Median household income is $33,787/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Lincoln or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Pasadena?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,173/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Pasadena?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $33,787/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Pasadena details →

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