Is Cincinnati, OH cheaper than Lincoln, NE?

Based on cost of living data, Cincinnati, OH is 2.2% cheaper than Lincoln, NE. This translates to saving $165 per month.

What salary do I need in Cincinnati, OH to live like I do in Lincoln, NE?

If you earn $150,000 in Lincoln, NE, you'd need approximately $148,021.978 in Cincinnati, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lincoln, NE and Cincinnati, OH?

Housing in Cincinnati, OH is 1.2% cheaper than in Lincoln, NE. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,200/month in Cincinnati, OH compared to $1,230/month in Lincoln, NE.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lincoln, NE to Cincinnati, OH?

Moving from Lincoln, NE to Cincinnati, OH could save you approximately $165 per month, or $1978 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lincoln, NE vs Cincinnati, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Lincoln, NE

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $165/month moving to Cincinnati, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.0K in Cincinnati, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$165

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.0K

Per year

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

Lincoln, NE

Population:295K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$274K

Cincinnati, OH

Population:309K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$225K

Lincoln, NE

The Cornhusker State

295K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cincinnati, OH

The Buckeye State

309K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 309K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lincoln, NE vs Cincinnati, OH

Category	Lincoln, NE	Cincinnati, OH	Difference	Change
Healthcare	$682/mo	$564/mo	↓ $118less	17.3%
Other	$1,574/mo	$1,607/mo	↑ $33.48more	2.1%
Groceries	$949/mo	$919/mo	↓ $29.98less	3.2%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $27.32less	2.2%
Housing	$2,105/mo	$2,079/mo	↓ $25.99less	1.2%
All Utilities	$470/mo	$464/mo	↓ $5.46less	1.2%

Healthcare

↓ 17.3%

Lincoln, NE

$682

Cincinnati, OH

$564

Difference

$118

less

Other

↑ 2.1%

Lincoln, NE

$1,574

Cincinnati, OH

$1,607

Difference

$33.48

Groceries

↓ 3.2%

Lincoln, NE

$949

Cincinnati, OH

$919

Difference

$29.98

less

Transportation

↓ 2.2%

Lincoln, NE

$1,243

Cincinnati, OH

$1,216

Difference

$27.32

less

Housing

↓ 1.2%

Lincoln, NE

$2,105

Cincinnati, OH

$2,079

Difference

$25.99

less

All Utilities

↓ 1.2%

Lincoln, NE

$470

Cincinnati, OH

$464

Difference

$5.46

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Cincinnati, OH: Cincinnati Earnings Tax$2,700/yr (1.8%)

Lincoln, NE has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$920

To$850

↓ $70.00

1 Bed

From$1,000

To$935

↓ $65.00

2 Bed

From$1,230

To$1,200

↓ $30.00

3 Bed

From$1,705

To$1,585

↓ $120

Lincoln, NEZIP-level data

1BR range: $820–$1,350/mo

Cincinnati, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $760–$1,580/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.

$7,022

Monthly in Lincoln, NE

$6,849

Monthly in Cincinnati, OH

$173

Difference

Home Values

Lincoln

Cincinnati

$274K

Median Value

$225K

↑ +3.8%

YoY Change

↑ +1.2%

↑ +36%

5-Year Change

↑ +31.9%

$194K - $575K

Price Range

$113K - $592K

Homes in Cincinnati are 18% less expensive than Lincoln

Calculate payment - Lincoln Calculate payment - Cincinnati

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$409

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.3%

Rate difference

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

Cincinnati, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Lincoln, NE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.8%

Cincinnati, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 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.