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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Richmond

California
161

Lincoln is 52% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,045/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 81%
$69,991/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 29%
$248,200 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 162%
$1,140/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 77%
291,932
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $850/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $10,200/year.

Median household income is $20,047/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Richmond — common questions

Is Lincoln or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Richmond?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $850/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Richmond?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $20,047/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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