Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Lincoln is 39% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,045/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 83%
$69,991/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 33%
$248,200 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 60%
$1,140/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 39%
291,932
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $872/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $10,464/year.

Median household income is $23,380/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Surprise — common questions

Is Lincoln or Surprise 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 Surprise?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $872/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Surprise?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $23,380/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Arizona?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Surprise

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite