Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Providence, RI (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Lincoln is 22% cheaper than Providence.

$1,045/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 28%
$69,991/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 5%
$248,200 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 30%
$1,140/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 29%
291,932
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.99%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $288/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $3,456/year.

Median household income is $3,219/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Providence — common questions

Is Lincoln or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Providence?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $288/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Providence?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $3,219/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Rhode Island?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Providence details →

More Comparisons

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