Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Waco, TX (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Lincoln is 7% more expensive than Waco.

$1,045/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 5%
$69,991/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 26%
$248,200 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 20%
$1,140/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 4%
291,932
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $18,523/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Waco — common questions

Is Lincoln or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Waco?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Waco?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $18,523/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Texas?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Waco details →

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