Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Lincoln is 34% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,045/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 29%
$69,991/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 7%
$248,200 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 100%
$1,140/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 22%
291,932
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $298/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $3,576/year.

Median household income is $4,934/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Lincoln or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $298/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $4,934/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Utah?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Salt Lake City details →

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