Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Raleigh is 43% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,468/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 29%
$82,424/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 15%
$377,800 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 34%
$1,487/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 23%
470,763
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.64%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $423/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $5,076/year.

Median household income is $12,433/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Raleigh or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Lincoln?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $423/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Lincoln?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $12,433/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Nebraska?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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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