Lincoln

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Lincoln, NE

Area Guide

Award-winning, charming, and uniquely Lincoln

Urban Walkable Eclectic Affordable Historic Scenic

Lincoln, Nebraska combines Midwestern hospitality with metropolitan amenities in the state's capital city. Home to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the city maintains a welcoming atmosphere while offering diverse cultural experiences. The historic Haymarket District anchors downtown with its beautifully restored warehouses, now home to local shops and eateries. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the extensive trail system, including the MoPac Trail, while Pioneers Park Nature Center and Sunken Gardens provide natural retreats within city limits. The housing market remains accessible, with current average rents ranging from $958 for studios to $2,445 for four-bedroom units, showing a moderate annual increase of 2.4%.

Lincoln's neighborhoods each offer distinct characteristics, from the expanding downtown district to the tree-lined streets of the Near South and Country Club areas. The University of Nebraska adds to city life through Husker athletics, performing arts events, and academic programs. The Lied Center for Performing Arts and Sheldon Museum of Art showcase the city's dedication to cultural enrichment. The Nebraska State Capitol, completed in 1932, stands as the second-tallest state capitol in the nation, featuring striking art deco architecture. The Telegraph District represents the city's newest development area, while the East Campus neighborhood and Mount Emerald showcase established residential communities with tree-lined streets and historic homes.

Explore the City

The historic Haymarket District was the original 1867 market square

The University of Nebraska is the oldest university in the state, established in 1869

Downtown’s 12th Street skywalk mural was designed by local artist Larry Roots

The Sunken Gardens are listed as one of the best gardens to visit by National Geographic

Rent Trends

As of December 2025, the average apartment rent in Lincoln, NE is $955 for a studio, $1,068 for one bedroom, $1,308 for two bedrooms, and $1,594 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Lincoln has increased by 2.4% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,068/month
729 Sq Ft
House
$1,858/month
1,372 Sq Ft
Condo
$1,046/month
759 Sq Ft
Townhome
$2,014/month
1,546 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Lincoln, NE

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Lincoln, NE is 5.8% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Lincoln is 22.8% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $955 - $1,594. You can expect to pay 1.3% less for groceries, 7.1% less for utilities, and 1.4% less for transportation.

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Transportation

54

Somewhat Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

26

Some Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

64

Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Schools

Adams Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

762 Students

Wysong Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

697 Students

Maxey Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

688 Students

Cavett Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

564 Students

Humann Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

525 Students

Scott Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

1,136 Students

Lux Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

791 Students

Moore Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

738 Students

Pound Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

727 Students

Mickle Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

694 Students

Lincoln East High School

Public

Grades 9-12

2,268 Students

Southwest High School

Public

Grades 9-12

2,171 Students

Lincoln Southeast High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,929 Students

Lincoln High School

Public

Grades 9-12

2,196 Students

North Star High School

Public

Grades 9-12

2,072 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Lincoln Children's Zoo
  • Lincoln Children's Museum
  • University of Nebraska State Museum
  • Mueller Planetarium
  • Maxwell Arboretum

Commuter Rail

Military Bases

Airports

  • Lincoln

Top Apartments in Lincoln

Houses for Rent in Lincoln

Property Management Companies in Lincoln, NE

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in November 2025.