Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Santa Clara, CA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Lincoln is 75% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,045/mo ↓ 65%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 186%
$69,991/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 148%
$248,200 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 516%
$1,140/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 168%
291,932
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,940/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $23,280/year.

Median household income is $103,679/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Lincoln or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,940/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $103,679/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Santa Clara

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville