Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Lincoln and Waterbury have a similar cost of living.

$1,045/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 13%
$69,991/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 26%
$248,200 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 25%
$1,140/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 12%
291,932
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.73%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $135/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $1,620/year.

Median household income is $18,349/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Lincoln or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Waterbury?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $135/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Waterbury?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $18,349/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Connecticut?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Waterbury details →

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