Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Newark is 30% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,330/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 21%
$48,416/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↑ 45%
$337,800 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 27%
$1,419/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 20%
307,188
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.64%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $21,575/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Newark or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Lincoln?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Lincoln?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $21,575/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Nebraska?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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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