Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

New York is 89% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,779/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 41%
$79,713/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 12%
$751,700 ↑ 203%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 67%
$1,837/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 38%
8,516,202
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
6.64%
4.0%
Sales Tax
5.5%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $734/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $8,808/year.

Median household income is $9,722/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Lincoln — common questions

Is New York or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Lincoln?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $734/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Lincoln?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $9,722/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Nebraska?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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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