Lincoln vs Los Angeles

Category / Metric	Lincoln	Los Angeles
Financial Overview
Median Income	$68,050	$79,701
Unemployment Rate	3%	5.5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$289,999	$1,002,500
Price per SqFt	$165	$616
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$856	$2,006
Housing Cost Index	83.6	173.0
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.3	107.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	345.0	732.5
Bachelor's Degree+	42.5%	39.2%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	52

Let's get real. You're staring down the barrel of a massive life decision: Los Angeles vs. Lincoln. This isn't a choice between two neighborhoods; it's a choice between two different worlds, two different economies, and two different definitions of "the American Dream."

As your relocation expert, I'm not here to sugarcoat it. LA is the land of Hollywood dreams, endless sunshine, and crippling traffic. Lincoln is the quiet heart of the Midwest, where your paycheck stretches, the seasons change, and the pace of life is measured in seasons, not hours.

So, which one is for you? Let's break it down, dollar for dollar, mile for mile, and vibe for vibe.

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The Vibe Check: Dream Factory vs. Heartland Haven

Los Angeles is a sprawling, sun-drenched mosaic of cultures, industries, and ambitions. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and unapologetically ambitious. You don't move to LA to blend in; you move there to stand out. The vibe is "hustle" – whether you're in tech, entertainment, or art. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality, from the beachy chill of Santa Monica to the gritty creativity of Downtown LA. Who is LA for? The dreamers, the hustlers, the industry professionals, and anyone who craves world-class diversity and is willing to pay the price (literally and figuratively) for it.

Lincoln, Nebraska, is the polar opposite. It’s a classic college town (home to the University of Nebraska) with a strong sense of community and a pace that feels human. Think of it as a city with the benefits of a town: friendly neighbors, manageable commutes, and a cost of living that feels like a superpower. The vibe is "steady" – it’s reliable, safe, and deeply rooted in Midwestern values. Who is Lincoln for? Families looking for stability, young professionals wanting to start their careers without drowning in rent, and anyone who values peace, quiet, and four distinct seasons over constant buzz.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Live?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk about purchasing power. Earning $100,000 in these two cities puts you in completely different financial universes.

First, let's look at the raw data. The numbers are stark.

Cost of Living Comparison (Monthly Estimates)

Category	Los Angeles	Lincoln	The Gap
Median Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$856	$1,150 (LA is 134% more expensive)
Utilities (Basic)	~$180	~$160	Minimal difference
Groceries	~$450	~$350	LA is ~28% more expensive
Transportation	~$300 (Gas/Insurance)	~$250 (Gas/Insurance)	LA is ~20% more expensive

Salary Wars & The Tax Bite:
Let's say you earn the median income in each city: $79,701 in LA vs. $68,050 in Lincoln. At first glance, LA pays more. But let's factor in taxes and cost of living.

• California has a progressive income tax. On $79,701, you're looking at a state tax rate of about 9.3%. That's a big chunk.
• Nebraska also has a progressive income tax, but it's lower. On $68,050, you're looking at about 5.01%.

The Real-World Impact:
Where does that $100,000 salary go further?

• In Los Angeles: After taxes, you take home roughly $72,000. Your rent alone for a 1BR is $2,006/month, or $24,072/year. That's 33% of your after-tax income gone to rent, before groceries, utilities, or a single tank of gas. You'll feel the pinch.
• In Lincoln: After taxes, you take home roughly $76,000. Your rent for a 1BR is $856/month, or $10,272/year. That's only 13.5% of your after-tax income. You have vastly more disposable cash for savings, travel, or investing.

The Verdict on Dollars: Lincoln wins this battle decisively. The sticker shock in LA is real. You'll have a higher salary, but your dollar will scream for mercy. In Lincoln, your money feels like it has superpowers.

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The Housing Market: To Buy or Not to Buy?

Los Angeles: The Locked-Out Market
Buying a home in LA is a monumental challenge for most. The median home price is a staggering $1,002,500. The housing index is at 173.0 (where 100 is the national average), meaning it's 73% more expensive than the typical U.S. market. This is a brutal seller's market. Competition is fierce, all-cash offers are common, and you'll likely be looking at a condo or a starter home far from the coast if you're a first-time buyer. Renting is the default for the vast majority, and even that is a financial squeeze.

Lincoln: The Accessible Market
Lincoln’s median home price is $289,999. The housing index is 83.6, making it more affordable than the national average. This is a much more balanced market, leaning slightly toward buyers. The barrier to entry is infinitely lower. You can realistically save for a down payment and afford a single-family home on a median salary. It’s a market defined by stability, not frenzy.

The Verdict on Housing: Lincoln is the clear winner for anyone with homeownership aspirations. LA’s market is for the wealthy or the perpetually renting. Lincoln offers a path to building equity that LA has largely closed for the middle class.

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The Dealbreakers: Commute, Climate, and Crime

Traffic & Commute:

• Los Angeles: This is legendary, and not in a good way. The average commute is over 30 minutes, but during rush hour, a 10-mile trip can take 60 minutes. The 405 Freeway is a character in itself. You will spend a significant portion of your life in your car. Public transit exists but is limited in its reach.
• Lincoln: Traffic is a non-issue. The average commute is under 20 minutes. You can get across town in 15-20 minutes even during peak times. The stress of a daily grind is virtually eliminated.

Weather:

• Los Angeles: The data says average 54°F, but that’s misleading. LA has a Mediterranean climate—dry, mild, and sunny year-round. Summers are warm (highs in the 80s-90s) but dry, and winters are cool and damp. It’s famously "sunny 283 days a year." No snow, no humidity.
• Lincoln: This is a true four-season climate. The data shows an average of 32°F, but that’s the winter talking. Summers are hot and humid (highs often in the 90s with high humidity), spring and fall are beautiful, and winters bring snow and cold (lows in the teens). If you hate snow and humidity, this is a dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety:

• Los Angeles: Violent crime rate is 732.5 per 100,000. This is significantly higher than the national average. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood. You must be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Property crime (car break-ins, theft) is also a common concern.
• Lincoln: Violent crime rate is 345.0 per 100,000. This is about half the rate of LA and much closer to the national average. Lincoln is consistently ranked as one of the safer cities of its size in the U.S. It’s a place where people feel comfortable walking at night.

The Verdict on Dealbreakers:

• Commute: Lincoln by a landslide.
• Weather: It's a tie based on preference. LA for sun-seekers, Lincoln for those who love seasons (and can handle winter).
• Safety: Lincoln is statistically safer, offering more peace of mind.

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The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Relocation?

This isn't about which city is "better." It's about which city is better for you.

🏆 Winner for Families: Lincoln
Families thrive in Lincoln. The combination of safe neighborhoods, top-rated public schools (the University of Nebraska provides a strong educational ecosystem), affordable housing, and a community-focused lifestyle is almost unbeatable. You can own a home with a yard, your kids can play outside safely, and your daily life won’t be defined by traffic and financial stress. The value proposition for raising a family is extraordinary.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Los Angeles
If your career is in entertainment, tech, design, or any industry that thrives on networking and global exposure, LA is the epicenter. The diversity of people and ideas is unmatched. The nightlife, cultural scene, and sheer energy are a magnet for ambitious singles. Yes, you'll struggle financially, but you're trading comfort for opportunity and experience. It’s a grind, but for the right person, it’s the only place to be.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Lincoln
For retirees, Lincoln offers a peaceful, secure, and affordable final chapter. The cost of living allows fixed incomes to stretch further, healthcare is accessible, and the community is welcoming. The slower pace is perfect for enjoying retirement hobbies. LA’s high costs, traffic, and hustle are generally not conducive to a relaxed retirement unless you’ve already amassed significant wealth.

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The Pros & Cons: At a Glance

Los Angeles

Pros:

• Unmatched Career Opportunities: The global hub for entertainment, tech, and creative industries.
• Cultural & Culinary Diversity: A world-class array of food, art, and people from every corner of the globe.
• Ideal Weather: Consistently mild, sunny, and dry year-round.
• Proximity to Nature: Beaches, mountains, and deserts are all within a short drive.

Cons:

• Staggering Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are among the highest in the nation.
• Brutal Traffic: Commutes can be soul-crushing and time-consuming.
• High Crime Rates: Particularly property crime; safety is neighborhood-dependent.
• Competitive & Stressful: The "hustle culture" can lead to burnout.

Lincoln

Pros:

• Extreme Affordability: Your salary goes much, much further.
• Short Commutes & Low Stress: Easy driving, no traffic jams, more free time.
• Safe & Family-Friendly: Statistically safer with a strong sense of community.
• Stable Housing Market: Homeownership is an achievable dream.

Cons:

• Limited Industry Diversity: Job market is dominated by government, education, and agriculture.
• Harsh Winters: Cold, windy, and snowy for several months a year.
• Smaller City Feel: Fewer major league sports, concerts, and niche cultural events.
• Less Diverse: Lacks the global melting pot feel of a mega-city like LA.

The Bottom Line

Choose Los Angeles if you are driven by career ambition in a specific field, crave urban energy and diversity, and are willing to sacrifice savings and comfort for the chance to be where the action is.

Choose Lincoln if you value financial freedom, a peaceful daily life, safety, and community above all else. It’s a place where you can build a stable, comfortable life without the constant pressure of a major metropolis.

The choice is yours: The relentless dream factory of the West Coast, or the affordable, steady heart of the Midwest.