Is Lincoln, NE cheaper than Milwaukee, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Lincoln, NE is 0.0% cheaper than Milwaukee, WI. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Lincoln, NE to live like I do in Milwaukee, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Milwaukee, WI, you'd need approximately $150,000 in Lincoln, NE to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Milwaukee, WI and Lincoln, NE?

Housing in Lincoln, NE is 9.5% more expensive than in Milwaukee, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,230/month in Lincoln, NE compared to $1,235/month in Milwaukee, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Milwaukee, WI to Lincoln, NE?

Milwaukee, WI and Lincoln, NE have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Milwaukee, WI vs Lincoln, NE: 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 Milwaukee, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

Milwaukee, WI and Lincoln, NE have similar living costs

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.0K in Lincoln, NE

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area

Overall Cost

→ 0.0%

Same cost

Monthly Impact

No change

Annual Impact

Per year

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

Milwaukee, WI

Population:577K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$219K

Lincoln, NE

Population:295K

Cost Index:

100

(national average)

Median Home:$274K

Milwaukee, WI

The Badger State

577K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 577K residents.

Lincoln, NE

The Cornhusker State

295K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Milwaukee, WI vs Lincoln, NE

Category	Milwaukee, WI	Lincoln, NE	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,923/mo	$2,105/mo	↑ $182more	9.5%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,243/mo	↓ $164less	11.7%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$470/mo	↓ $38.25less	7.5%
Healthcare	$719/mo	$682/mo	↓ $37.17less	5.2%
Other	$1,607/mo	$1,574/mo	↓ $33.48less	2.1%
Groceries	$959/mo	$949/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%

Housing

↑ 9.5%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,923

Lincoln, NE

$2,105

Difference

$182

Transportation

↓ 11.7%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,407

Lincoln, NE

$1,243

Difference

$164

less

All Utilities

↓ 7.5%

Milwaukee, WI

$508

Lincoln, NE

$470

Difference

$38.25

less

Healthcare

↓ 5.2%

Milwaukee, WI

$719

Lincoln, NE

$682

Difference

$37.17

less

Other

↓ 2.1%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,607

Lincoln, NE

$1,574

Difference

$33.48

less

Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Milwaukee, WI

$959

Lincoln, NE

$949

Difference

$9.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$945

To$920

↓ $25.00

1 Bed

From$1,035

To$1,000

↓ $35.00

2 Bed

From$1,235

To$1,230

↓ $5.00

3 Bed

From$1,520

To$1,705

↑ $185

Milwaukee, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,680/mo

Lincoln, NEZIP-level data

1BR range: $820–$1,350/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.

$7,123

Monthly in Milwaukee, WI

$7,022

Monthly in Lincoln, NE

$101

Difference

Home Values

Milwaukee

Lincoln

$219K

Median Value

$274K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↑ +3.8%

↑ +44.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +36%

$85K - $529K

Price Range

$194K - $575K

Homes in Lincoln are 25% more expensive than Milwaukee

Calculate payment - Milwaukee Calculate payment - Lincoln

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $486

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$40.47

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Milwaukee, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

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

Additional Tax Information

Milwaukee, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Lincoln, NE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.