Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Louisville is 4% cheaper than Lincoln.

$1,069/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 2%
$64,731/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↑ 8%
$221,500 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$248,200 ↑ 12%
$1,118/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↑ 2%
627,210
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
6.64%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,260/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Louisville or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Lincoln?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $24/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Lincoln?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $5,260/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Nebraska?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,045/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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