Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Lincoln is 5% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,045/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 4%
$69,991/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 31%
$248,200 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 5%
$1,140/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 9%
291,932
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $21,455/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Lincoln or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $21,455/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Alabama?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Tuscaloosa

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Tuscaloosa vs. Tyler Tuscaloosa vs. Allen Tuscaloosa vs. Riverview Tuscaloosa vs. New York Tuscaloosa vs. Dearborn Tuscaloosa vs. Los Angeles