Santa Ana, CA vs Lincoln, NE: 163 vs 77

$1,975/mo ↑ 89%

Median Rent

$1,045/mo ↓ 47%

$88,354/yr ↑ 26%

Median Income

$69,991/yr ↓ 21%

$657,800 ↑ 165%

Home Value

$248,200 ↓ 62%

$1,965/mo ↑ 72%

Owner Costs

$1,140/mo ↓ 42%

311,639

Population

291,932

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $930/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $11,160/year.

Median household income is $18,363/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Lincoln cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Lincoln?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $930/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Lincoln?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $18,363/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Lincoln?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Santa Ana

Lincoln

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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