Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Philadelphia is 10% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,323/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 21%
$60,698/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↑ 15%
$232,400 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$248,200 ↑ 7%
$1,233/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 8%
1,582,432
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
6.64%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $278/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $3,336/year.

Median household income is $9,293/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Lincoln?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $278/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Lincoln?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $9,293/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Nebraska?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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