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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Lincoln is 28% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,045/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 12%
$69,991/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 34%
$248,200 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 33%
$1,140/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 20%
291,932
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $24,007/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield 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, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 77 (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 $920/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Springfield?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $24,007/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Missouri?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% 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 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Springfield details →

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