Lincoln, NE Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for Lincoln, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

290,531
Population
$67,846
Median household income
-6% vs tracked median
$230,400
Median home value
-30% vs tracked median
$998/mo
Median rent
-29% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

Lincoln, Nebraska is home to roughly 290,531 residents. The typical household earns $67,846 per year — roughly in line with the median across cities we track (-6%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $230,400 (below the multi-city median at -30%), while renters pay a median of $998 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

Cost of housing in Lincoln

Median home value is $230,400 and median gross rent is $998/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for Lincoln.

Climate & home insurance

Climate and flood-risk data (FEMA National Risk Index) will appear here once enrichment is run. Home insurance costs vary widely by region and risk profile.

Moving to Lincoln

Planning a move to Lincoln? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Lincoln, NE?
In Lincoln, the median home value is $230,400 and median rent is $998 per month, against a median household income of $67,846. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Lincoln?
A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $998/month, that implies an income of about $39,920 to keep housing affordable in Lincoln.
Is it better to rent or buy in Lincoln?
With a median home value of $230,400 and median rent of $998/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Lincoln depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Compare Lincoln to similar cities