Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Lincoln is 27% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,045/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 39%
$69,991/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 23%
$248,200 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 35%
$1,140/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 36%
291,932
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.73%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $412/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $4,944/year.

Median household income is $16,225/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Paterson — common questions

Is Lincoln or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Paterson?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $412/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Paterson?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $16,225/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and New Jersey?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Paterson

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon