Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Lincoln, NE?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 6.6% more expensive than Lincoln, NE. This translates to spending an extra $495 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Lincoln, NE?

If you earn $150,000 in Lincoln, NE, you'd need approximately $155,934.066 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lincoln, NE and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 17.3% more expensive than in Lincoln, NE. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,230/month in Lincoln, NE.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lincoln, NE to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $495 more per month than Lincoln, NE, or $5934 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lincoln, NE vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $495/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 6.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$495

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.9K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$512K

Lincoln, NE

The Cornhusker State

295K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lincoln, NE vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Lincoln, NE	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,105/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $364more	17.3%
📦Other	$1,574/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $134more	8.5%
🏥Healthcare	$682/mo	$601/mo	↓ $80.54less	11.8%
⚡All Utilities	$470/mo	$546/mo	↑ $76.50more	16.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $40.98more	3.3%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$959/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 17.3%

Lincoln, NE

$2,105

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$364

📦Other

↑ 8.5%

Lincoln, NE

$1,574

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$134

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.8%

Lincoln, NE

$682

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$80.54

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 16.3%

Lincoln, NE

$470

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$76.50

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.3%

Lincoln, NE

$1,243

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$40.98

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.1%

Lincoln, NE

$949

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$9.99

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$920

To$1,570

↑ $650

1 Bed

From$1,000

To$1,640

↑ $640

2 Bed

From$1,230

To$1,800

↑ $570

3 Bed

From$1,705

To$2,255

↑ $550

Lincoln, NEZIP-level data

1BR range: $820–$1,350/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$545

Difference

Home Values

Lincoln

Raleigh

$274K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +3.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +36%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$194K - $575K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 87% more expensive than Lincoln

Calculate payment - Lincoln Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$184

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Lincoln, NE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.