Is Denver, CO cheaper than Lincoln, NE?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 20.9% more expensive than Lincoln, NE. This translates to spending an extra $1566 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Lincoln, NE?

If you earn $150,000 in Lincoln, NE, you'd need approximately $168,791.209 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lincoln, NE and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 54.3% more expensive than in Lincoln, NE. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,230/month in Lincoln, NE.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lincoln, NE to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1566 more per month than Lincoln, NE, or $18791 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lincoln, NE vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Lincoln, NE

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.6K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $168.8K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 20.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,566

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$18.8K

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

Median Home:$274K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:121

Median Home:$513K

Lincoln, NE

The Cornhusker State

295K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lincoln, NE vs Denver, CO

Category	Lincoln, NE	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,105/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,143more	54.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $219more	17.6%
📦Other	$1,574/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $201more	12.8%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $79.94more	8.4%
🏥Healthcare	$682/mo	$632/mo	↓ $49.57less	7.3%
⚡All Utilities	$470/mo	$519/mo	↑ $49.18more	10.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 54.3%

Lincoln, NE

$2,105

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,143

🚗Transportation

↑ 17.6%

Lincoln, NE

$1,243

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$219

📦Other

↑ 12.8%

Lincoln, NE

$1,574

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$201

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.4%

Lincoln, NE

$949

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$79.94

🏥Healthcare

↓ 7.3%

Lincoln, NE

$682

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$49.57

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.5%

Lincoln, NE

$470

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$49.18

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

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$1,720

↑ $800

1 Bed

From$1,000

To$1,840

↑ $840

2 Bed

From$1,230

To$2,190

↑ $960

3 Bed

From$1,705

To$2,870

↑ $1,165

Lincoln, NEZIP-level data

1BR range: $820–$1,350/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,642

Difference

Home Values

Lincoln

Denver

$274K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +3.8%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +36%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$194K - $575K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 87% more expensive than Lincoln

Calculate payment - Lincoln Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$228

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.8%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Lincoln, NE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.