Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Washington is 122% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,900/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 45%
$106,287/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 34%
$724,600 ↑ 192%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 66%
$2,103/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 46%
672,079
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.64%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $855/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $10,260/year.

Median household income is $36,296/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Washington or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Lincoln?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $855/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Lincoln?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $36,296/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Nebraska?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Lincoln details →

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