Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Mesa is 39% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,478/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 29%
$78,779/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 11%
$364,300 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 32%
$1,404/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 19%
507,478
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.64%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $433/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $5,196/year.

Median household income is $8,788/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Mesa or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Lincoln?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $433/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Lincoln?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $8,788/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Nebraska?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Lincoln details →

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