Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-04-01

Lincoln, Nebraska

In Lincoln, Nebraska, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.41 as of 2026-04-01 — $0.65 below the national average of $4.06. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,292, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 5.27% 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)

$3.41

National: $4.06

202.9%since 2000
AAA Gas Prices

Avg Rent (All)

$1,292

National: $1,900

29.7%since 2000
Zillow ZORI Metro (2026-02)

Grocery Inflation

5.27%

Year-over-year

BLS/FRED CPI

Fast Food Avg

$11.50

Combo meal

4.5%YoY

Electricity

11.76¢

per kWh · ~$106/mo

32.3%vs US avg
EIA Residential

Car Insurance

$148/mo

$1,780/yr

17.2%vs national avg
Bankrate/NAIC

Median Household Income

$72,625

29.5% goes to essentials

29.5%cost burden
Census ACS 2023
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Car Insurance

Avg $1,780 in Lincoln. Compare rates:

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Find Apartments

Avg rent $1,292/mo in Lincoln. Browse listings:

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Grocery Prices

Grocery Prices — 2000 to Present

National BLS averages · submit local prices below ↓

Eggs (dozen)

Bird flu volatility

$2.58 BLS avg

+156.4%

Milk (gallon)

$4.10 BLS avg

+44.6%

Ground Beef (lb)

$6.75 BLS avg

+354.4%

Bread (loaf)

$1.84 BLS avg

+104.0%

Chicken Breast (lb)

$2.04 BLS avg

+93.5%

Butter (lb)

$5.33 BLS avg

+33.9%

Bacon (lb)

$7.50 BLS avg

+21.6%

Cheddar Cheese (lb)

$6.17 BLS avg

+17.7%

Pasta (lb)

$1.83 BLS avg

+37.6%

Rice (5 lb)

$4.76 BLS avg

+23.0%

Coffee (12 oz)

$10.98 BLS avg

+38.8%

Orange Juice (64 oz)

Citrus shortage

$5.10 BLS avg

+45.7%

Potatoes (5 lb)

$4.06 BLS avg

+12.5%

Apples (3 lb)

$4.76 BLS avg

+12.5%

Tomatoes (lb)

$2.55 BLS avg

+30.8%

Lettuce (head)

$2.07 BLS avg

+24.0%

Cooking Oil (48 oz)

$7.47 BLS avg

+50.3%

Yogurt (32 oz)

$4.70 BLS avg

+18.1%

Cereal (family size)

$5.76 BLS avg

+30.3%

Frozen Pizza

$8.08 BLS avg

+43.0%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$11.50

Casual Dining

$18.30

Monthly Spend

$299.5

+4.51% YoY

Chain 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%

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Looking for an Apartment in Lincoln?

Average 1BR: $1,059/mo · 2BR: $1,525/mo

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Local Workforce

2024 · BLS QCEW

Total Jobs

175k

Median Weekly Pay

$1,141

$59k/yr

Top Sector

Trade, Transportation & Utilities

Household vs Worker Pay

$73k

household median

Employment by Sector — Lincoln

% of local workforce · avg weekly wage · 5-year growth trend

Trade, Transportation & Utilities
-2.2% 5yr$981/wk
17.4%

~$51k/yr

Education & Health Services
+7.9% 5yr$1,140/wk
16.1%

~$59k/yr

Professional & Business Services
-6.7% 5yr$1,366/wk
11.7%

~$71k/yr

Leisure & Hospitality
+0.1% 5yr$417/wk
10.8%

~$22k/yr

Construction
+12.7% 5yr$1,320/wk
8.0%

~$69k/yr

Source: BLS QCEW 2024 Annual · County FIPS 31109

Highest Paying Sector

Financial Activities

$1,595/wk · $83k/yr

Most Workers (lowest wage)

Leisure & Hospitality

$417/wk · $22k/yr

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