Lincoln vs Montgomery for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Lincoln Nebraska | Montgomery Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $900 | $850Better |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,500 | $1,400Better |
| Median home price | $245K | $195KBetter |
| Median household income | $57KBetter | $44K |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,118 | $1,053Better |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 5%Better |
| Sales tax (combined) | 7%Better | 9.2% |
| Monthly utilities | $152Better | $170 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 94 | 93Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Lincoln or Montgomery?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, Montgomery scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $1,400/mo in Montgomery vs $1,500/mo. Montgomery is approximately 6% cheaper overall. That said, both cities have strong family communities — the right choice depends on your career, lifestyle, and proximity to family.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Lincoln vs Montgomery?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,500/month in Lincoln and $1,400/month in Montgomery. Montgomery is 7% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Lincoln or Montgomery?
The price-to-income ratio in Lincoln is 4.3× ($245K median home, $57K median income). In Montgomery it's 4.4× ($195K home, $44K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Lincoln is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Lincoln vs Montgomery?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,118/month in Lincoln and $1,053/month in Montgomery, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$780/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Lincoln has a 5.8% state income tax rate vs Montgomery's 5% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $80/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Lincoln has the same purchasing power as $94K in Montgomery
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026