Cost of Living in Lincoln, NE
Lincoln is about 13% cheaper than the national average.
What Things Cost
Compared to the US average (100)
Census ACS 2024
Census ACS 2024
BEA RPP 2023
BEA RPP 2023
Lincoln at a Glance
On the median income of $72,008, state income tax is roughly $4,205/year.
Sources: Census ACS 2024, Tax Foundation.
Lincoln is Nebraska's capital and the University of Nebraska's home city. The cost of living is about 10% below the national average, and the economy combines government stability with university energy. Memorial Stadium on Husker game days holds more people than any other venue in the state, temporarily making Lincoln Nebraska's third-largest city. The Haymarket district has been revitalized into a walkable dining and entertainment area.
How People Get Around
Source: Census ACS 2024.
Who Lives Here
Source: Census ACS 2024.
Why People Move to Lincoln
The University of Nebraska provides Big Ten sports culture that borders on religious. Government employment as the state capital adds stability. The Haymarket district has restaurants, breweries, and shops. Lincoln has invested in bike trails and parks. The cost of homeownership is accessible on a single professional salary. The community is genuinely friendly.
Neighborhoods
The Haymarket is the revitalized historic district with restaurants. Near South is a diverse, walkable neighborhood. Havelock is eclectic. The Country Club and Sheridan Boulevard areas are established residential. Southeast Lincoln and Fallbrook are newer suburban growth areas.
Things to Consider
Lincoln is smaller than Omaha (290,000 vs 490,000) with a narrower job market. The Husker football culture is intense and all-consuming during fall. Winters are cold and windy. The landscape is flat. Cultural diversity is improving but limited. The property tax rate of about 1.58% is above the national average.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lincoln
Yes. About 10% below the national average. The median home price of $278,200 makes homeownership accessible on a single professional salary. The university and government provide job stability. Nebraska's property tax is the main financial caveat at about 1.58%.
Omaha has a larger economy, more Fortune 500 companies, and better restaurants. Lincoln has the university culture, state capital employment, and a slightly lower cost of living. Lincoln feels more like a big college town. Omaha feels more like a mid-size city. They are 55 miles apart on I-80, and many people consider them a combined metro for career purposes.
In Lincoln, it is the center of civic life from September through November. Memorial Stadium (90,000 capacity) sells out every game and has since 1962. The Sea of Red is one of the most recognized fan traditions in college sports. If you love college football, it is paradise. If you are indifferent, the traffic and consumed bandwidth during the season may test your patience.