Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Lincoln is 31% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,045/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 4%
$69,991/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 34%
$248,200 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 50%
$1,140/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 14%
291,932
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $24,146/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Lincoln or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Syracuse?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Syracuse?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $24,146/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and New York?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Syracuse

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville