Cost of living in Lincoln, Nebraska
Lancaster County, NE
Part of the Lincoln Metro Area
Population 323,673 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Lincoln
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Lincoln
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Lincoln
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Lincoln
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Lincoln
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Lincoln
State and local tax rates for Nebraska.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Lincoln
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Lincoln
What it costs to live in Lincoln each month.
- Rent $910
- Energy $185
- Water $50
- Groceries $320
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $487
- State tax $138
- Rent $1,125
- Energy $222
- Water $60
- Groceries $530
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $859
- State tax $298
- Rent $1,576
- Energy $278
- Water $70
- Groceries $805
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $859
- State tax $298
Frequently asked questions about Lincoln
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Lincoln?
In Lincoln, Nebraska, a one-bedroom apartment averages $910 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,125 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,576 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Lincoln?
In Lincoln, Nebraska, the average household income is $72,625 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $39,816 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Lincoln?
The estimated cost of living in Lincoln, Nebraska is approximately $2,890 per month for a single person, $4,378 for a couple, $6,956 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Lincoln?
The combined sales tax rate in Lincoln, Nebraska is 7.00%, which includes the Nebraska state rate of 5.50% plus an average local rate of 1.50%.
Is Lincoln an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Lincoln, Nebraska would need approximately $2,890 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $72,625 per year ($6,052 per month). Lincoln is relatively affordable compared to the national average.
How much does healthcare cost in Lincoln?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Lincoln, Nebraska is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 6.3% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Lincoln?
The average home value in Lincoln, Nebraska is $258,900, with average annual property taxes of $4,055, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Lincoln compare to other areas?
You can compare Lincoln, Nebraska with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Lincoln is in the Lincoln, NE metro area.
Other counties in Nebraska
Browse the full list of counties in Nebraska, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in NebraskaCompare Lincoln with another area
Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.
About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP