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.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Median Home:$274K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:113

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.