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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

San Francisco is 247% more expensive than Lincoln.

$2,419/mo ↑ 131%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 57%
$141,446/yr ↑ 102%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 51%
$1,380,500 ↑ 456%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 82%
$2,620/mo ↑ 130%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 56%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,374/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $16,488/year.

Median household income is $71,455/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Lincoln — common questions

Is San Francisco or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Lincoln?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $1,374/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Lincoln?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $71,455/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Lincoln details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Francisco and Lincoln

San Francisco vs. Indianapolis San Francisco vs. Seattle San Francisco vs. Charlotte San Francisco vs. Denver San Francisco vs. Columbus San Francisco vs. Oklahoma City Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham