Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

San Diego

California
197
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

San Diego is 156% more expensive than Lincoln.

$2,223/mo ↑ 113%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 53%
$104,321/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 33%
$848,500 ↑ 242%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 71%
$2,308/mo ↑ 102%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 51%
1,385,061
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.64%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,178/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $14,136/year.

Median household income is $34,330/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Lincoln — common questions

Is San Diego or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Lincoln?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $1,178/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Lincoln?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $34,330/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Nebraska?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Lincoln details →

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