Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Lincoln is 17% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,045/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 26%
$69,991/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 25%
$248,200 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 16%
$1,140/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 17%
291,932
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $271/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $3,252/year.

Median household income is $17,776/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Rochester — common questions

Is Lincoln or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Rochester?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $271/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Rochester?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $17,776/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Minnesota?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Rochester details →

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