Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Lincoln is 26% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,045/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 35%
$69,991/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 3%
$248,200 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 37%
$1,140/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 33%
291,932
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $2,447/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Worcester — common questions

Is Lincoln or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Worcester?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Worcester?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $2,447/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Massachusetts?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Worcester details →

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