Denver vs Lincoln
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Denver
Lincoln
💡 The Verdict
Lincoln is 24% cheaper than Denver overall. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $57,203 in Lincoln.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Denver (left) vs Lincoln (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Denver versus Lincoln. Differences shown from Denver perspective.
| Item | Denver | Lincoln | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $1,420/mo | $780/mo | +$640.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,900/mo | $1,090/mo | +$810.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $2,410/mo | $1,420/mo | +$990.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $3.06 | $2.46 | +$0.60 |
| Milk (gallon) | $4.03 | $3.64 | +$0.39 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $2.89 | $3.00 | $-0.11 |
| Coffee (latte) | $5.83 | $5.18 | +$0.65 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.29 | $3.08 | +$0.21 |
| Restaurant Meal | $18.25 | $16.08 | +$2.17 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Denver has the same purchasing power as $57,203 in Lincoln.
Conversely, $75,000 in Lincoln equals $98,333 in Denver.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $900 difference is driven by Nebraska having a higher state income tax rate. Colorado details → · Nebraska details →
Reading These Numbers: Denver (118) vs Lincoln (90)
Denver at 118 is 18% above the US average, while Lincoln at 90 is 10% below average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Denver, the composite index of 118 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 152, followed by groceries (102), utilities (94), transportation (103), and healthcare (104). Housing is the primary cost driver here.
For renters: With median rents of $1,900/mo in Denver and $1,090/mo in Lincoln, the annual rent difference is approximately $9,720.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $48,600.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $261,000.0 difference in median home prices between Denver and Lincoln translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Denver vs Lincoln
Choosing between Denver and Lincoln involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Denver and Lincoln can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.