Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Lincoln is 23% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,045/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 25%
$69,991/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 9%
$248,200 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 41%
$1,140/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 20%
291,932
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $266/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $3,192/year.

Median household income is $6,091/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Lincoln or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Wilmington?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $266/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Wilmington?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $6,091/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and North Carolina?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Wilmington

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge