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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Lincoln is 77% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,045/mo ↓ 66%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 193%
$69,991/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 160%
$248,200 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 632%
$1,140/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 165%
291,932
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,020/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $24,240/year.

Median household income is $111,871/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Lincoln or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $2,020/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $111,871/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

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