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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Pittsburgh and Lincoln have a similar cost of living.

$1,221/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 14%
$64,137/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↑ 9%
$193,200 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$248,200 ↑ 28%
$1,136/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ≈ Same
303,620
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $176/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $2,112/year.

Median household income is $5,854/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Lincoln?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $176/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Lincoln?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $5,854/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 Pittsburgh or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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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