Is Lincoln, NE cheaper than Omaha, NE?

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

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

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

How does housing cost compare between Omaha, NE and Lincoln, NE?

Housing in Lincoln, NE is 0.0% cheaper than in Omaha, NE. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,230/month in Lincoln, NE compared to $1,450/month in Omaha, NE.

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

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

Omaha, NE 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 Omaha, NE

Numbers update automatically as you type

Omaha, NE 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 Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA 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.

Omaha, NE

Population:486K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$282K

Lincoln, NE

Population:295K

Cost Index:

100

(national average)

Median Home:$274K

Omaha, NE

The Cornhusker State

486K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Nebraska, this city has a population of 486K 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: Omaha, NE vs Lincoln, NE

Category	Omaha, NE	Lincoln, NE	Difference	Change
Other	$1,624/mo	$1,574/mo	↓ $50.22less	3.1%
Housing	$2,105/mo	$2,105/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Groceries	$949/mo	$949/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,243/mo	→ $0	0.0%
All Utilities	$470/mo	$470/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Healthcare	$682/mo	$682/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Other

↓ 3.1%

Omaha, NE

$1,624

Lincoln, NE

$1,574

Difference

$50.22

less

Housing

→ 0.0%

Omaha, NE

$2,105

Lincoln, NE

$2,105

Difference

same

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Omaha, NE

$949

Lincoln, NE

$949

Difference

same

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Omaha, NE

$1,243

Lincoln, NE

$1,243

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Omaha, NE

$470

Lincoln, NE

$470

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Omaha, NE

$682

Lincoln, NE

$682

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,160

To$920

↓ $240

1 Bed

From$1,220

To$1,000

↓ $220

2 Bed

From$1,450

To$1,230

↓ $220

3 Bed

From$1,920

To$1,705

↓ $215

Omaha, NEZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,720/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.

$7,073

Monthly in Omaha, NE

$7,022

Monthly in Lincoln, NE

$50.22

Difference

Home Values

Omaha

Lincoln

$282K

Median Value

$274K

↑ +1.2%

YoY Change

↑ +3.8%

↑ +31.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +36%

$129K - $441K

Price Range

$194K - $575K

Homes in Lincoln are 3% less expensive than Omaha

Calculate payment - Omaha Calculate payment - Lincoln

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Omaha, 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

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

Omaha, NE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

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.