Lincoln, Nebraska
In Lincoln, Nebraska, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.37 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.08 below the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $908.88, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 3.32% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Lincoln's cost-of-living index of 78 puts it below the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.37
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$908.88
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
3.32%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$10.14
Combo meal
Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.66 | $1.94 | $2.43 | $3.56 | $1.96 | +18.1% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.32 | $3.59 | $3.59 | $3.73 | $3.84 | +15.7% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $3.67 | $4.51 | $4.74 | $5.03 | $5.08 | +38.4% |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.01 | $2.74 | $2.99 | $3.14 | $3.20 | +59.2% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $3.30 | $3.57 | $3.75 | $3.86 | $3.86 | +17.0% |
| Butter (lb) | $3.98 | $4.55 | $4.83 | $5.07 | $5.33 | +33.9% |
| Bacon (lb) | $6.17 | $6.60 | $7.07 | $7.28 | $7.50 | +21.6% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $5.24 | $5.71 | $5.82 | $5.93 | $6.17 | +17.7% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.33 | $1.64 | $1.72 | $1.81 | $1.83 | +37.6% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $3.87 | $4.36 | $4.58 | $4.62 | $4.76 | +23.0% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $7.91 | $9.40 | $10.15 | $10.55 | $10.98 | +38.8% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $3.50 | $4.21 | $4.58 | $4.90 | $5.10 | +45.7% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $3.61 | $3.79 | $3.90 | $3.98 | $4.06 | +12.5% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.23 | $4.40 | $4.62 | $4.76 | $4.76 | +12.5% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $1.95 | $2.16 | $2.31 | $2.45 | $2.55 | +30.8% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.67 | $1.86 | $1.99 | $2.05 | $2.07 | +24.0% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $4.97 | $6.15 | $6.77 | $7.18 | $7.47 | +50.3% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $3.98 | $4.30 | $4.56 | $4.65 | $4.70 | +18.1% |
| Cereal (family size) | $4.42 | $5.03 | $5.38 | $5.54 | $5.76 | +30.3% |
| Frozen Pizza | $5.65 | $6.78 | $7.25 | $7.69 | $8.08 | +43.0% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$10.14
Casual Dining
$18.30
Monthly Spend
$299.5
+4.51% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $6.29
$10.14
+61.2%Wendy's
2022: $7.10
$10.95
+54.2%Chipotle
2022: $7.61
$11.36
+49.3%Starbucks
2022: $3.37
$4.68
+38.9%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Lincoln?
Average 1BR: $849.42/mo · 2BR: $1,038.59/mo
Newsletter
Get the Monthly Price Report
We track gas, groceries, and rent so you know what's coming before it hits your wallet. One email, once a month, no spam.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Data updated monthly from FRED, Zillow, AAA.
How does Lincoln compare to other Nebraska cities?
Compare Cities Side by Side →