Can I Afford to Live in Lincoln vs Mexico City 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
Mexico City, MX
$2,728/mo take-home
Rent: $700/mo (26% of take-home)
Comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Lincoln
NE
Mexico City
MX
Monthly take-home (est.)
$2,535
$2,728Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,150
$700Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$357Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$48Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$152
$55Best ✓
Internet
$58
$25Best ✓
Left after essentials
$770/month
$1,418/month
Mexico City (CDMX) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Lincoln (NE rate: 5.8%).

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 Mexico City?

At $40K/year in Mexico City, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,728. With 1BR rent around $700/month, rent takes up 26% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.

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

Mexico City leaves you with more money after core expenses — $1,418/month vs $770/month in Lincoln.

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 Mexico City

$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