Buy vs Rent in Lincoln, NE (2026)
Median home price $245K · 1BR rent $1,150/mo · Price-to-rent ratio 17.8x.
Median home price
$245K
1BR rent
$1,150/mo
Price-to-rent ratio
17.8x
Verdict
Neutral
Monthly cost of buying — 3 scenarios
30-year mortgage at 7% · Includes property tax, insurance, and maintenance estimates
| 3.5% down (FHA) | 10% down | 20% down (conventional) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down payment | $8,575 | $24,500 | $49,000 |
| Mortgage (P&I) | $1,573/mo | $1,467/mo | $1,304/mo |
| Property tax (est.) | $225/mo | $225/mo | $225/mo |
| Insurance (est.) | $102/mo | $102/mo | $102/mo |
| Maintenance (est.) | $204/mo | $204/mo | $204/mo |
| Total monthly cost | $2,104vs rent: +$954/mo | $1,998vs rent: +$848/mo | $1,835vs rent: +$685/mo |
| Income to qualify | $67,414/yr | $62,871/yr | $55,886/yr |
| Break-even (approx.) | ~1 yrs | ~2 yrs | ~6 yrs |
Lincoln housing context
$57K
Median HH income
per year
$55,886
Income needed (20% down)
per year
Qualified
Affordability gap
vs median income
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to buy or rent in Lincoln?
Lincoln's price-to-rent ratio of 17.8x is in the neutral zone (15-20x). Whether to buy or rent depends on how long you plan to stay, your down payment, and your personal finances.
How much do I need to earn to buy a home in Lincoln?
With a median home price of $245K in Lincoln, you'd need an annual income of roughly $55,886 to qualify with 20% down (at 7% rate, 28% housing ratio). With 10% down, you'd need about $62,871/year.
Lincoln full cost of living breakdownCheaper cities near LincolnHow much to retire in LincolnCompare mortgage rates
Mortgage at 7% 30-yr fixed · Property tax 1.1% est. · Maintenance 1% est. · Zillow, BLS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only