Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Memphis is 12% cheaper than Lincoln.

$1,123/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 7%
$51,211/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↑ 37%
$157,100 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$248,200 ↑ 58%
$1,087/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↑ 5%
629,063
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.64%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $78/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $936/year.

Median household income is $18,780/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Memphis or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Lincoln?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $78/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Lincoln?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $18,780/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Nebraska?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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.
View Memphis details → View Lincoln details →

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