City Comparison
Norfolk vs Lincoln
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Norfolk scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Norfolk
Lincoln
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Norfolk is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
85% lower than in Lincoln.
Housing costs are a major driver: Norfolk's average rent is
19% lower than Lincoln's.
| Metric | Norfolk | Lincoln | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $1,363 | -19% |
| Groceries | $414 | $400 | +4% |
| Utilities | $184 | $260 | -29% |
| Transport | $150 | $1,200 | -88% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $9,572 | -99% |
| Monthly Total | $1,968 | $12,795 | -85% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Lincoln offers 50% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Lincoln delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Norfolk is estimated at
$23,000 vs $52,000 in Lincoln.
| Metric | Norfolk | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $35,980 | $71,867 |
| Salary Needed | $23,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 39,109 idx | 76,454 idx |
| Household Income | $58,884 | $71,867 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Norfolk runs warmer on average — a 51.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Norfolk comes out ahead with 271 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Norfolk sees 15.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Norfolk | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 14.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 27.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 15.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 271 | |
| Humidity | 67.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Lincoln scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Lincoln leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Norfolk | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Walkability | 40.0/100 | 50.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Lincoln is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Norfolk.
From a growth perspective, Norfolk is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Lincoln has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Norfolk | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 26,054 | 303,375 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.30% | 0.61% |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 2.70% | 2.60% |
| GDP | — | $150.9B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Norfolk
Advantages
Norfolk boasts a strong sense of community, fostering pride and unity among residents.
The city offers a variety of outdoor activities, including tubing, trails, and a whitewater park.
Crime rates in Norfolk are significantly lower than the national average, contributing to a safe living environment. [cite: 12, 14, 23, 29, 35 from previous search]
The cost of living, particularly housing, is more affordable compared to the national average. [cite: 6 from previous search]
Commute times are notably shorter than the national average, enhancing daily convenience. [cite: 2, 19 from previous search, 35 from previous search]
Drawbacks
Compared to larger cities, Norfolk has limited entertainment options.
Wages have not fully kept pace with inflation, impacting family budgets.
Despite overall affordability, finding truly affordable housing can still be a challenge.
Some residents perceive a 'snobby' community mindset or a lack of motivation for change.
The city experienced an overall employment decline rate between 2023 and 2024. [cite: 2, 3 from previous search]
Lincoln
Advantages
Lincoln's cost of living is approximately 6% lower than the national average, driven by more affordable housing and utilities.
The city boasts a low unemployment rate of 2.6% as of May 2026, significantly lower than the national average.
Lincoln has a shorter average commute time of 19.5 minutes, saving residents time compared to the national average.
The city is recognized for its exceptional public safety, with Part 1 crime reaching a 25-year low in 2025.
Over 40% of adults in Lincoln have a bachelor's degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Drawbacks
While overall cost of living is lower, healthcare costs in Lincoln are about 3% higher than the U.S. average.
Lincoln's employment and wage growth rates have been nearly identical to Omaha's, which have been slower than comparable cities.
Public transportation options, while affordable, have a limited reach around the city.
The state of Nebraska, including Lincoln, has experienced low population and labor force growth due to people relocating to other states.
Some goods and services in Lincoln are approximately 4% pricier than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Norfolk
#31Nebraska, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$35,980
Cost Index
92
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
20.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
271/yr
Avg Temp
51.60°F
Pop. Growth
1.30%
Unemployment
2.70%
Livability
74
Business
68
Lincoln
#173Nebraska, USA
64.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,363
Avg Salary
$71,867
Cost Index
94
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
50.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.61%
Unemployment
2.60%
Livability
74
Business
68
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