Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Lincoln and Springfield have a similar cost of living.

$1,045/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↑ 7%
$69,991/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 27%
$248,200 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 10%
$1,140/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 12%
291,932
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $18,652/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Springfield — common questions

Is Lincoln or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Springfield?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Springfield?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $18,652/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Massachusetts?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Springfield details →

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