Average Rent in Lincoln, NE↑ Rents rising 5.4% YoY🔺 Most expensive in NE

Lincoln, NE has rental prices ranging from $815/month to $1,685/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $910/month — 35% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $73,095/year, spending $910/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Lincoln Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,125/month, Lincoln ranks #1 most expensive of the 88 cities tracked in Nebraska — pricier than 77% of all US cities in our data.

The Lincoln Rental Market

The Lincoln, NE area has a population of about 341,309 and 41% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Lincoln, NE have risen by $58/month (5.4%) over the past year, from $1,067 to $1,125. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Lincoln, NE without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $36,400. The local median household income of $73,095 exceeds that threshold by $36,695, making Lincoln relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Lincoln, NE is $295,461, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 21.9. With a break-even horizon of approximately 22 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Lincoln's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are South Salt Creek ($171,767 median home value), North Bottoms ($180,888 median home value), Autumn Wood ($186,105 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Lincoln, NE Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Lincoln?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Lincoln

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.