Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Portland is 79% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,596/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 35%
$88,792/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 21%
$557,600 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 55%
$1,771/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 36%
642,715
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
6.64%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $551/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $6,612/year.

Median household income is $18,801/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Portland or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Lincoln?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $551/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Lincoln?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $18,801/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Nebraska?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Lincoln details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Portland and Lincoln

Portland vs. Las Vegas Portland vs. Detroit Portland vs. Boston Portland vs. Memphis Portland vs. Washington Portland vs. Louisville Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham