What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Lincoln, NE?

If you earn $150,000 in Lincoln, NE, you'd need approximately $162,065.934 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lincoln, NE and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 32.5% more expensive than in Lincoln, NE. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,230/month in Lincoln, NE.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lincoln, NE to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $1005 more per month than Lincoln, NE, or $12066 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lincoln, NE vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Q: Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Lincoln, NE?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 13.4% more expensive than Lincoln, NE. This translates to spending an extra $1005 per month.

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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 spend $1.0K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $162.1K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 13.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,005

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$12.1K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:

113

(13% above avg)

Median Home:$414K

Lincoln, NE

The Cornhusker State

295K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lincoln, NE vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Lincoln, NE	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,105/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $683more	32.5%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $246more	19.8%
Other	$1,574/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $104more	6.6%
Healthcare	$682/mo	$589/mo	↓ $92.94less	13.6%
All Utilities	$470/mo	$561/mo	↑ $91.25more	19.4%
Groceries	$949/mo	$963/mo	↑ $13.99more	1.5%

Housing

↑ 32.5%

Lincoln, NE

$2,105

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$683

Transportation

↑ 19.8%

Lincoln, NE

$1,243

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$246

Other

↑ 6.6%

Lincoln, NE

$1,574

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$104

Healthcare

↓ 13.6%

Lincoln, NE

$682

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$92.94

less

All Utilities

↑ 19.4%

Lincoln, NE

$470

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$91.25

Groceries

↑ 1.5%

Lincoln, NE

$949

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$13.99

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$920

To$1,390

↑ $470

1 Bed

From$1,000

To$1,510

↑ $510

2 Bed

From$1,230

To$1,750

↑ $520

3 Bed

From$1,705

To$2,330

↑ $625

Lincoln, NEZIP-level data

1BR range: $820–$1,350/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$1,045

Difference

Home Values

Lincoln

Phoenix

$274K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +3.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +36%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$194K - $575K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 51% more expensive than Lincoln

Calculate payment - Lincoln Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$342

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Lincoln, NE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.

Environment

Lincoln

Phoenix

41 Good

Air Quality

77 Moderate

83.7%

Good Air Days

91 Moderate

Climate Risk

100 Very High

🌪💨

Top Hazards

🔥🌊🌡

▲+3.3°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.7°F

38 days

Heat Days >95°F

162 days

▲+3.3°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.7°F

38 days

Heat Days >95°F

162 days

What to Consider When Moving from Lincoln, NE to Phoenix, AZ

Relocating from Lincoln, NE to Phoenix, AZ involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is roughly 13% higher in Phoenix, AZ, 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 Phoenix, AZ is 32% more expensive than in Lincoln, NE. 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 Phoenix, AZ 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 Phoenix, AZ to match your current standard of living in Lincoln, NE.

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 Phoenix, AZ for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Lincoln, NE vs Phoenix, AZ

Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Lincoln, NE?

Phoenix, AZ is approximately 13.4% more expensive than Lincoln, NE overall. On a $150,000 salary, that translates to roughly $1,005/month in additional expenses. Housing is the biggest factor, costing 32% more in Phoenix, AZ.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to match my lifestyle in Lincoln, NE?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Lincoln, NE, you would need approximately $162,066 in Phoenix, AZ 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 Lincoln, NE and Phoenix, AZ?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,230/month in Lincoln, NE compared to $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ. One-bedroom apartments are $1,000/month in Lincoln, NE vs $1,510/month in Phoenix, AZ. 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 Lincoln, NE or Phoenix, AZ?

Groceries are about 1% more expensive in Phoenix, AZ than in Lincoln, NE, which adds roughly $13.99/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 Lincoln, NE to Phoenix, AZ?

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 Nebraska and Arizona on TaxTakeHome.com