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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Lincoln is 55% cheaper than Plano.

$1,045/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 71%
$69,991/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 55%
$248,200 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$440,600 ↑ 78%
$1,140/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 60%
291,932
Population
287,339

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $747/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $8,964/year.

Median household income is $38,658/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Plano — common questions

Is Lincoln or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Plano?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $747/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Plano?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $38,658/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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