Last updated 2026-06-15 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Well below the national average, a friendly capital and Husker town with cheap housing.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 91
Median 2BR rent: $1,200/mo
Housing: 80 vs 100
Groceries: 94 vs 100
Utilities: 102 vs 100
Transportation: 94 vs 100
Healthcare: 94 vs 100
Lincoln pairs state-capital stability, University of Nebraska energy, and very affordable housing. It is a strong budget pick, with the downtown emptying out only on football Saturdays.