Can I Afford to Live in Lincoln vs Fayetteville on $40K?

Here's how a $40K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Lincoln, NE
$2,535/mo take-home
Rent: $1,150/mo (45% of take-home)
Difficult
Fayetteville, AR
$2,582/mo take-home
Rent: $1,300/mo (50% of take-home)
Difficult
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Monthly budget breakdown

Lincoln
NE
Fayetteville
AR
Monthly take-home (est.)
$2,535
$2,582Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,150Best ✓
$1,300
Groceries (est.)
$357Best ✓
$361
Transport (est.)
$48
$42Best ✓
Utilities
$152Best ✓
$162
Internet
$58Best ✓
$60
Left after essentials
$770/month
$657/month

Frequently asked questions

Is $40K a good salary in Lincoln?

At $40K/year in Lincoln, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,535. With 1BR rent around $1,150/month, rent takes up 45% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Is $40K a good salary in Fayetteville?

At $40K/year in Fayetteville, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,582. With 1BR rent around $1,300/month, rent takes up 50% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Which city is more affordable on a $40K salary?

Lincoln leaves you with more money after core expenses — $770/month vs $657/month in Fayetteville.

Can I afford to live alone in Lincoln on $40K?

It's tight. Rent in Lincoln would take 45% of your $40K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Lincoln vs Fayetteville

$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only