Cost of Living: Oakland, CA vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Oakland

California
195
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Oakland is 153% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,917/mo ↑ 83%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 45%
$97,369/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 28%
$924,700 ↑ 273%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 73%
$2,164/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 47%
438,072
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.64%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $872/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $10,464/year.

Median household income is $27,378/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Oakland or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Lincoln?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $872/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Lincoln?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $27,378/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and Nebraska?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Lincoln details →

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