Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

St. Paul is 18% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,248/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 16%
$73,055/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 4%
$280,300 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 11%
$1,390/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 18%
307,762
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
6.64%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $203/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $2,436/year.

Median household income is $3,064/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Lincoln — common questions

Is St. Paul or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Lincoln?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $203/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Lincoln?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $3,064/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Nebraska?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Lincoln details →

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