Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Reno, NV (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Lincoln is 37% cheaper than Reno.

$1,045/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↑ 39%
$69,991/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↑ 12%
$248,200 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$498,600 ↑ 101%
$1,140/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↑ 30%
291,932
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $408/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $4,896/year.

Median household income is $8,457/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Reno — common questions

Is Lincoln or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Reno?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $408/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Reno?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $8,457/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Nevada?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Reno details →

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