Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Lincoln is 39% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,045/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 53%
$69,991/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 20%
$248,200 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 83%
$1,140/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 53%
291,932
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $552/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $6,624/year.

Median household income is $13,866/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Lincoln or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $552/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Tacoma?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $13,866/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Washington?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Tacoma

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville