Lincoln, NE vs West Des Moines, IA: Cost of Living Comparison
Lincoln has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Lincoln | West Des Moines | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 84 | 93 | Lincoln |
| Housing | 71 ($732) | 82 ($836) | Lincoln |
| Transportation | 99 ($3.50) | 98 ($3.50) | West Des Moines |
| Food & groceries | 94 ($385) | 114 ($467) | Lincoln |
| Utilities | 86 ($128) | 91 ($148) | Lincoln |
| Healthcare | 86 ($92) | 91 ($107) | Lincoln |
| Median annual wage | 101 ($48,980) | 100 ($48,540) | West Des Moines |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln, NE or West Des Moines, IA cheaper to live in?
Lincoln, NE is cheaper overall by about 9 index points (Lincoln, NE: 84, West Des Moines, IA: 93; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Lincoln, NE vs West Des Moines, IA?
A single adult needs roughly $29,400/year in Lincoln, NE and $32,550/year in West Des Moines, IA to cover basic living costs.