Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Lincoln, NE 2026

$978/mo ↓ 6%

Median Rent

$1,045/mo ↑ 7%

$55,279/yr ↓ 21%

Median Income

$69,991/yr ↑ 27%

$185,100 ↓ 25%

Home Value

$248,200 ↑ 34%

$1,013/mo ↓ 11%

Owner Costs

$1,140/mo ↑ 13%

293,109

Population

291,932

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $14,712/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making St. Louis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Lincoln — common questions

Is St. Louis or Lincoln cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 77 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Lincoln?

Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $67/month.

Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Lincoln?

Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $14,712/year higher in Lincoln.

How do taxes compare between Missouri and Nebraska?

Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.

Should I move to St. Louis or Lincoln?

It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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: St. Louis, MO vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

St. Louis

Lincoln

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions