Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Phoenix is 42% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,458/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 28%
$77,041/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 9%
$381,900 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 35%
$1,430/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 20%
1,624,832
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.64%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $413/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $4,956/year.

Median household income is $7,050/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Phoenix or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Lincoln?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $413/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Lincoln?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $7,050/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Nebraska?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Lincoln details →

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