Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Seattle is 155% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,998/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 48%
$121,984/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 43%
$912,100 ↑ 267%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 73%
$2,220/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 49%
741,440
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.64%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $953/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $11,436/year.

Median household income is $51,993/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Seattle or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Lincoln?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $953/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Lincoln?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $51,993/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Nebraska?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Lincoln details →

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