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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Lincoln is 26% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,045/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ≈ Same
$69,991/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 33%
$248,200 ↑ 106%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 51%
$1,140/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 11%
291,932
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $23,363/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $120,600 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, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 77 (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 $1,039/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Rochester?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $23,363/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and New York?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% 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 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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