Cost of Living in Lincoln, NE in 2025

Lincoln, NE Cost of Living: Quick Takeaways

Housing Costs: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lincoln is projected to reach $1,301 in 2025, showing a steady rise over the years.
Transportation Expenses: Public transit is affordable with a monthly pass at about $20.25, and fuel costs are around $3.16 per gallon.
Healthcare Costs: Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums average $150 monthly, while the Silver plan is about $600 per month in 2025.
Income and Affordability: The median household income is expected to be $72,000 in 2025, with the overall cost of living approximately 6% lower than the national average.

Lincoln, Nebraska, offers a balanced and affordable lifestyle with moderate housing and living expenses.

This article gives a detailed breakdown of living costs in Lincoln for 2025, covering housing, utilities, transportation, taxes, and other essential expenses.

1. Housing Costs in Lincoln, NE

Housing in Lincoln is affordable compared to many cities, but has increased steadily over the last decade.

2010: Average rent for a 1-bedroom was $700
2015: Rose to $850
2020: Increased to $1,000
2024: Approximately $1,045
2025: Projected to be $1,301

These figures reflect a consistent growth in rental prices due to demand and development.

For businesses in the hospitality industry, understanding local real estate trends is essential when planning locations for new venues or staff housing.

Hospitality real estate market trends offer valuable insights for strategic decisions related to property investments.

2. Homeownership and Real Estate Trends in Lincoln, NE

The Lincoln real estate market remains reasonably priced with gradual appreciation over time.

2010: Median home price was about $150,000
2015: Grew to $180,000
2020: Rose to $220,000
2024: About $248,200
2025: Expected to reach $313,500

This growth trend indicates steady investment appeal and moderate housing market inflation.

3. Transportation Expenses in Lincoln, NE

Lincoln offers affordable transportation options for residents and commuters.

Public Transit: One-way fare averages $1.19; monthly passes cost about $20.25
Fuel Costs: Average gasoline price is $3.16 per gallon in 2025
Vehicle Maintenance: Annual vehicle upkeep typically costs around $1,200

These expenses vary based on individual travel and vehicle preferences.

4. Utility Costs in Lincoln, NE

Monthly utilities for a standard residence in Lincoln include:

Electricity: $174.85 on average
Internet: Around $84.87
Total Utilities: Approximately $259.72

Utility costs depend on usage and provider differences.

5. Grocery and Food Expenses in Lincoln, NE

Grocery and dining costs in Lincoln are close to national averages.

The typical monthly grocery spend per person is about $400. Dining out averages $15 at casual eateries and up to $50 at mid-range restaurants.

For hospitality managers, controlling food costs while maintaining quality is a balancing act crucial to profitability.

Check out our restaurant utility cost guide for tips on managing operational expenses effectively.

6. Healthcare Costs in Lincoln, NE

Healthcare expenses vary depending on coverage:

Employer-sponsored Insurance: Costs roughly $150 monthly
Silver Plan Insurance: Approximately $600 monthly in 2025

Healthcare costs slightly exceed national averages with attention to coverage options needed.

Employees in hospitality sectors, like restaurant staff and hotel workers, benefit greatly from clear communication about healthcare benefits to improve retention.

Learn about restaurant staff hiring strategies that include benefits planning.

7. Educational Expenses in Lincoln, NE

Education costs vary by type:

Public Schools: No direct tuition fees; funded by taxes
Private School Tuition: Average monthly cost around $931.50
In-State University Tuition: Annual fees average $6,381 at institutions like the University of Nebraska

Families should consider these costs based on schooling preferences.

8. Entertainment and Leisure in Lincoln, NE

Lincoln offers a variety of entertainment options:

Movie Tickets: Average price is $13.50
Gym Memberships: About $67.50 per month
Dining at Mid-Range Restaurants: Around $50 per meal

Annual spending on entertainment and personal care services is roughly $2,600 combined.

9. Taxes and Miscellaneous Fees in Lincoln, NE

Taxation and fees influence overall costs:

State Income Tax Rate: Ranges between 2.46% and 6.84%
Sales Tax: Total rate is approximately 7%
Property Tax: Average effective rate is 1.65%

These rates impact both residents and property owners.

Tax planning and cost control are critical for restaurant owners to maintain profitability in Lincoln’s tax climate.

See our tax tips for restaurant owners to manage these financial obligations efficiently.

10. Childcare and Family Expenses in Lincoln, NE

Family-related costs include:

Daycare: Approximately $931.50 per month
After-School Programs: Around $300 monthly
Extracurricular Activities: Estimated $100 monthly

Budgeting for childcare is a vital consideration for families in Lincoln.

11. Clothing and Personal Care in Lincoln, NE

Living expenses for clothing and personal care are moderate:

Clothing: Roughly $100 monthly
Personal Care: Estimated $50 monthly for grooming and essentials

These expenses vary according to lifestyle choices.

12. Insurance Costs in Lincoln, NE

Insurance is an important financial aspect in Lincoln:

Health Insurance: Monthly premiums average $600
Auto Insurance: Annual premium about $1,200
Homeowners Insurance: Roughly $1,000 annually
Renters Insurance: Around $200 annually

These insurance costs ensure protection and compliance with regulations.

For restaurant and hotel employers, offering comprehensive insurance packages can attract and retain top talent.

Explore our insurance for restaurant owners spotlight to understand your options.

13. Miscellaneous Expenses in Lincoln, NE

Other living costs include:

Entertainment: Approximately $2,000 annually
Personal Care Services: Around $600 yearly
Miscellaneous Goods and Services: Roughly $700 annually

These expenses add to day-to-day living costs based on personal habits.

14. Income and Salaries in Lincoln, NE

Median household income growth in Lincoln over recent years:

2010: Approximately $50,000
2015: Increased to $55,000
2020: Rose to $60,000
2023: About $69,991
2025: Projected at $72,000

This steady income growth supports the cost of living trends observed in the city.

In the hospitality sector, knowing regional salary standards is essential to create competitive job offers and attract skilled employees.

Visit our top paying restaurant jobs spotlight and check salary data for various hospitality positions in the Lincoln area.

15. Comparison with National Averages

Lincoln's cost of living compares favorably to U.S. averages:

Overall Cost of Living: Approximately 6% lower than the national average
Housing: About 22% more affordable
Utilities: Roughly 8% cheaper
Food: Close to 1% less expensive
Healthcare: Around 5% higher than national averages
Transportation: About 1% lower
Goods and Services: Approximately 4% higher

These variations highlight affordable living options while noting some categories above average costs.

Our Methodology for Lincoln, NE Cost of Living Figures

We compile this cost of living data from reliable sources such as Numbeo, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Zillow, Statista and government reports. Where exact numbers are unavailable, we use estimates based on regional trends to provide an accurate and current representation of costs.

Lincoln, NE Cost of Living: Conclusion

Lincoln offers an affordable cost of living with steadily growing housing prices, reasonable transportation options and moderate utility expenses.

Healthcare and some goods and services run slightly above average, but the overall cost remains below the national average, supported by a gradually increasing median household income.

For residents and prospective movers, understanding these detailed costs is essential to planning a comfortable lifestyle in Lincoln as 2025 approaches.