The cost of living in Lincoln, NE is moderate: the MIT Living Wage model puts a single adult at about $3,000 a month after tax (about $43,080 a year before tax), and asking rents run roughly $1,060 for a studio to $1,720 for a three-bedroom. Housing is the biggest line, followed by transport and food.
Quick answer
Plan on about $1,115 a month for a one-bedroom and about $3,000 to $3,300 a month in total for a single renter. A single adult needs roughly $20.71 an hour to cover the basics. Figures below come from named sources and were checked in October 2026.
Cost of living in Lincoln NE at a glance
These are the headline numbers for a single adult with no children. Rent comes from market listings; everything else comes from the MIT Living Wage model, which prices a basic, no-frills budget.
| Item | Monthly estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rent, 1-bedroom | About $1,115 | Rentometer, May 2026 |
| Food | About $364 | MIT Living Wage |
| Transportation | About $722 | MIT Living Wage |
| Medical | About $275 | MIT Living Wage |
| Internet and mobile | About $126 | MIT Living Wage |
| Other necessities | About $379 | MIT Living Wage |
Treat the total as a starting point. Your lease, insurance, debt and habits will move it up or down.
Rent and home prices in Lincoln
Rentometer lists these average asking rents for Lincoln as of May 2026:
| Home size | Average rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,057 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,115 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,437 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,720 |
Zillow shows an average rent of $1,278 and an average home value of $291,408 for Lincoln as of 30 September 2026. Other rent sites report slightly different numbers because each one samples different listings, so check current listings before you commit.
Location matters. One rent report lists the Bishop Park and Irvingdale areas near $906 a month, while areas close to downtown and the university tend to cost more. If you buy, add property tax, insurance and repairs to the mortgage payment before comparing it with rent.
Utilities, internet and phone
The MIT model budgets about $1,512 a year ($126 a month) for internet and mobile service for one adult. It does not list electricity, water and trash separately, so ask your landlord what is included and request recent bills from the previous tenant or seller.
- Check which utilities the lease covers before you sign.
- Bundle internet and mobile where a provider offers it.
- Expect heating bills to peak in winter and air conditioning in summer.
Groceries and food
MIT’s basic food budget for one adult in Lincoln is $4,370 a year, or about $364 a month. That assumes mostly home cooking. Regular restaurant meals, delivery and special diets will push the figure higher.
Healthcare costs
MIT allows $3,300 a year (about $275 a month) for medical costs for a single adult. Your real spend depends on your plan, deductible and prescriptions. Check that your doctors are in network before you choose a plan.
Transportation and commuting
Most Lincoln households use a car, and MIT budgets $8,670 a year (about $722 a month) for transportation. If your route suits it, the bus is far cheaper. According to the City of Lincoln, StarTran fares are:
- Single ride: $1.25
- Day pass: $2.50
- 31-day pass: $17.00 (low-income version: $8.00)
- UNL students ride free with a UNL bus pass and photo ID
Entertainment and personal spending
MIT’s model sets aside $4,549 a year (about $379 a month) for other necessities such as clothing and household items, and $3,347 a year (about $279 a month) for civic and community costs. Dining out, hobbies and travel are on top of that, so add your own line for fun money.
Sample monthly budget for a single renter
| Category | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom) | $1,115 |
| Food | $364 |
| Transportation | $722 |
| Medical | $275 |
| Internet and mobile | $126 |
| Other necessities | $379 |
| Civic and community | $279 |
| Total | About $3,260 |
This total uses current rent instead of MIT’s lower housing figure ($10,236 a year, or $853 a month), and it leaves out taxes and savings.
Salary needed to live in Lincoln
MIT’s hourly living wage for Lincoln, updated February 2026, is:
| Household | Hourly wage needed | Approx. annual pre-tax |
|---|---|---|
| 1 adult, no children | $20.71 | $43,080 |
| 1 adult, 1 child | $37.36 | About $77,700 |
| 2 working adults, 2 children | $26.77 each | About $111,400 combined |
A common rule of thumb is to keep rent under 30% of gross income. At $1,115 rent, that points to about $3,700 a month before tax.
How to save money in Lincoln
- Rent a smaller unit or share a two-bedroom to lower the biggest bill.
- Use a 31-day bus pass if your commute runs on a StarTran route.
- Cook at home most days and plan meals around sales.
- Compare internet and mobile plans every year.
- Keep an emergency fund for car repairs and medical bills.
Is Lincoln affordable? Pros and limits
Pros: rents sit near $1,100 for a one-bedroom, the bus pass is cheap, and the basic living wage is modest.
Limits: many people still need a car, and winter heating adds to the bills. Compare with nearby cities such as Omaha, Kansas City or Des Moines before you decide.
Frequently asked questions about living in Lincoln, NE
How much do you need to live comfortably in Lincoln, NE?
The MIT Living Wage model puts a single adult with no children at about $20.71 an hour, or roughly $43,080 a year before tax. A comfortable budget with savings and dining out will need more.
What is the average rent in Lincoln, NE?
Rentometer lists average asking rents of $1,057 for a studio, $1,115 for one bedroom, $1,437 for two bedrooms and $1,720 for three bedrooms as of May 2026. Zillow shows an overall average of $1,278.
How much is a bus pass in Lincoln, NE?
StarTran sells a 31-day pass for $17.00, with a low-income version at $8.00. A single ride is $1.25 and a day pass is $2.50, according to the City of Lincoln.
What is the biggest monthly expense in Lincoln?
Housing is the largest cost for most households, followed by transportation and food. Owners should add property tax, insurance and repairs.
Do you need a car in Lincoln, NE?
Many residents drive, and MIT budgets about $722 a month for transportation. The bus can work well for downtown and university commutes, but coverage is thinner in outer neighborhoods.
Sources
- MIT Living Wage Calculator, Lincoln, NE (updated February 2026)
- Rentometer, average rent in Lincoln, NE (May 2026)
- Zillow, Lincoln, NE home values (30 September 2026)
- City of Lincoln, StarTran bus passes and fares
