What salary do I need in Lincoln, NE to live like I do in Des Moines, IA?

If you earn $150,000 in Des Moines, IA, you'd need approximately $151,000 in Lincoln, NE to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Des Moines, IA and Lincoln, NE?

Housing in Lincoln, NE is 1.3% more expensive than in Des Moines, IA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,230/month in Lincoln, NE compared to $1,260/month in Des Moines, IA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Des Moines, IA to Lincoln, NE?

Des Moines, IA and Lincoln, NE have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Des Moines, IA vs Lincoln, NE: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Q: Is Lincoln, NE cheaper than Des Moines, IA?

Based on cost of living data, Lincoln, NE is 1.1% more expensive than Des Moines, IA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Des Moines, IA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $83.33/month more in Lincoln, NE

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.0K in Lincoln, NE

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area

Overall Cost

↑ 1.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$83.33

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Des Moines, IA

Population:214K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$228K

Lincoln, NE

Population:295K

Cost Index:

101

(1% above avg)

Median Home:$274K

Des Moines, IA

The Hawkeye State

214K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 214K residents.

Lincoln, NE

The Cornhusker State

295K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Nebraska, this city has a population of 295K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Des Moines, IA vs Lincoln, NE

Category	Des Moines, IA	Lincoln, NE	Difference	Change
Groceries	$909/mo	$949/mo	↑ $39.97more	4.4%
Other	$1,607/mo	$1,574/mo	↓ $33.48less	2.1%
Housing	$2,079/mo	$2,105/mo	↑ $25.99more	1.3%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,243/mo	→ $0	0.0%
All Utilities	$470/mo	$470/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Healthcare	$682/mo	$682/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Groceries

↑ 4.4%

Des Moines, IA

$909

Lincoln, NE

$949

Difference

$39.97

Other

↓ 2.1%

Des Moines, IA

$1,607

Lincoln, NE

$1,574

Difference

$33.48

less

Housing

↑ 1.3%

Des Moines, IA

$2,079

Lincoln, NE

$2,105

Difference

$25.99

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Des Moines, IA

$1,243

Lincoln, NE

$1,243

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Des Moines, IA

$470

Lincoln, NE

$470

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Des Moines, IA

$682

Lincoln, NE

$682

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,020

To$920

↓ $100

1 Bed

From$1,060

To$1,000

↓ $60.00

2 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,230

↓ $30.00

3 Bed

From$1,720

To$1,705

↓ $15.00

Des Moines, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,150/mo

Lincoln, NEZIP-level data

1BR range: $820–$1,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,990

Monthly in Des Moines, IA

$7,022

Monthly in Lincoln, NE

$32.48

Difference

Home Values

Des Moines

Lincoln

$228K

Median Value

$274K

↑ +1.2%

YoY Change

↑ +3.8%

↑ +32.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +36%

$157K - $344K

Price Range

$194K - $575K

Homes in Lincoln are 20% more expensive than Des Moines

Calculate payment - Des Moines Calculate payment - Lincoln

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$114

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.9%

Rate difference

Des Moines, IA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Iowa State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.7K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.7K

Take-Home Pay

$8,524/month

$102.3K

Lincoln, NE

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Nebraska State Tax

Effective: 6.2%

$9.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.9%

$46.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,638/month

$103.7K

Additional Tax Information

Des Moines, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:1.5%

Lincoln, NE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Des Moines

Lincoln

45 Good

Air Quality

41 Good

67.5%

Good Air Days

83.7%

92 Moderate

Climate Risk

91 Moderate

🌡☀🌪

Top Hazards

🌪💨

▲+3.4°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.3°F

25 days

Heat Days >95°F

38 days

▲+3.4°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.3°F

25 days

Heat Days >95°F

38 days

What to Consider When Moving from Des Moines, IA to Lincoln, NE

Relocating from Des Moines, IA to Lincoln, NE involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is roughly 1% higher in Lincoln, NE, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Lincoln, NE is 1% more expensive than in Des Moines, IA. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Lincoln, NE pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Lincoln, NE to match your current standard of living in Des Moines, IA.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Lincoln, NE for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Des Moines, IA vs Lincoln, NE

Is Lincoln, NE cheaper than Des Moines, IA?

Lincoln, NE is approximately 1.1% more expensive than Des Moines, IA overall. On a $150,000 salary, that translates to roughly $83.33/month in additional expenses. Housing is the biggest factor, costing 1% more in Lincoln, NE.

What salary do I need in Lincoln, NE to match my lifestyle in Des Moines, IA?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Des Moines, IA, you would need approximately $151,000 in Lincoln, NE to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Des Moines, IA and Lincoln, NE?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,260/month in Des Moines, IA compared to $1,230/month in Lincoln, NE. One-bedroom apartments are $1,060/month in Des Moines, IA vs $1,000/month in Lincoln, NE. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Des Moines, IA or Lincoln, NE?

Groceries are about 4% more expensive in Lincoln, NE than in Des Moines, IA, which adds roughly $39.97/month to a typical household budget. This covers common items like produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples based on BLS consumer expenditure data.

What is the best time to move from Des Moines, IA to Lincoln, NE?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Iowa and Nebraska on TaxTakeHome.com