Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Salem, OR (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Lincoln is 27% cheaper than Salem.

$1,045/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↑ 27%
$69,991/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↑ 3%
$248,200 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 54%
$1,140/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 26%
291,932
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
9.9%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $278/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $3,336/year.

Median household income is $1,909/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Salem — common questions

Is Lincoln or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Salem?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $278/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Salem?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $1,909/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Oregon?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Salem details →

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