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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Lincoln is 29% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,045/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 37%
$69,991/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 9%
$248,200 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 55%
$1,140/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 30%
291,932
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $6,003/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Lincoln or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $6,003/year higher in Lincoln.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View San Bernardino details →

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