Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Lincoln is 39% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,045/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 58%
$69,991/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 24%
$248,200 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 84%
$1,140/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 41%
291,932
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $606/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $7,272/year.

Median household income is $16,988/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Sparks — common questions

Is Lincoln or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Sparks?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $606/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Sparks?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $16,988/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Nevada?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Sparks details →

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