Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Omaha is 4% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,150/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 9%
$72,708/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 4%
$230,100 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$248,200 ↑ 8%
$1,249/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 9%
488,197
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
6.64%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $105/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $1,260/year.

Median household income is $2,717/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Nebraska.

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Omaha or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Lincoln?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $105/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Lincoln?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $2,717/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Nebraska?
Both cities are in Nebraska and share the same state tax rates: 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/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 Omaha details → View Lincoln details →

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