F
49%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
136%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Lincoln California National
Cost of living149140100
Goods & Services109111100
Groceries108112100
Health care113109100
Housing236196100
Transportation121126100
Utilities114127100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Lincoln, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Lincoln? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Lincoln stands at 149, making it 49% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Lincoln is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Lincoln falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Lincoln cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 135.6% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Lincoln?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 6 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Lincoln. The feedback revealed that 17% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 83% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Lincoln Affordable?

Wondering if Lincoln is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Lincoln, for example, the median home price is 153.6% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 93.6% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Lincoln boasting a median household income of $88,991, which is 60.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lincoln?

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Lincoln, the utilities index registers 14% higher than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Lincoln, is 135.6% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Lincoln, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

New Real Estate Listings in Lincoln Area
Search Homes for Sale in Lincoln, CA

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Lincoln is 7% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Lincoln is 49% higher than the national average
  • Lincoln housing is 136% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 56% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Lincoln

See all the best places to live around Lincoln

Compare Lincoln, CA Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Lincoln?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Lincoln?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Lincoln poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$93,667$7,806$2,185$2,810
      Renters$65,065$5,422$1,518$1,952
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Lincoln, CA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Lincoln homeowners, is $93,667. This would allow for a maximum of $2,185 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $65,065 which would result in a maximum of $1,518 to be spent on rental costs.

      California Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      California 7.25% 10.5%

      California Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      California 1% 12.3%

      Goods & Services

      Item Lincoln National avg. Difference
      Haircut $40.00$24.2664.9%
      Beauty Salon $60.53$45.5632.8%
      Toothpaste $3.67$3.701.0%
      Shampoo $1.44$1.2812.5%
      Movie $13.76$12.1313.4%
      Bowling $22.22$18.0023.5%

      Groceries

      Item Lincoln National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.56$5.844.7%
      Fried Chicken $2.06$1.5731.0%
      Milk $4.93$4.675.5%
      Potatoes $4.69$4.935.0%
      Pizza $13.98$12.0915.7%
      Beer $10.49$10.410.8%

      Health Care

      Item Lincoln National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $153.50$125.6822.1%
      Doctor $201.43$135.7848.3%
      Dentist $115.72$113.292.1%
      Ibuprofen $11.03$10.653.5%
      Lipitor $380.45$468.6018.8%

      Housing

      Item Lincoln National avg. Difference
      Home Price $468,400.00$184,700.00153.6%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $3,182.68$2,346.6935.6%
      Apartment Rent $1,837.00$949.0093.6%

      Transportation

      Item Lincoln National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.51$3.4630.2%
      Tire Balancing $58.67$59.922.1%

      Utilities

      Item Lincoln National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $238.53$193.9923.0%
      Phone $190.81$192.250.7%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      McClellan Park, CA84311514.7%
      Olivehurst, CA15,14911616.1%
      North Highlands, CA48,66011717.0%
      Wheatland, CA3,63111918.6%
      Foothill Farms, CA35,71112121.0%
      Lincoln, CA48,15014948.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Newark, CA48,14819797.0%
      Sheboygan, WI48,153909.8%
      Wauwatosa, WI48,1431109.9%
      Victoriaville, QC48,167n/a 
      La Mirada, CA48,26016161.1%
      Lincoln, CA48,15014948.8%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.