City comparison
Yes. Lincoln's crime index is 124 versus 144 in Glendale, and its violent crime index is 114 versus 135, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Lincoln is cheaper. Median rent is $1,086 a month versus $1,528 in Glendale.
Climate is the sharpest divide between Lincoln and Glendale. Lincoln averages 55°F while Glendale averages 81°F, a difference that affects utility bills, outdoor lifestyle, and how you feel nine months of the year. Rent runs $1,086 versus $1,528.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Lincoln costs less and Glendale pays more: the right call depends on whether you are optimizing for take-home pay or monthly burn rate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Lincoln at $1,086 average has pockets that run $886 and others at $1,486: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Lincoln and Glendale are 989 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,086 a month in Lincoln to $1,528 a month in Glendale, up $442 a month (41%).
Median household income goes from $71,867 in Lincoln to $73,530 in Glendale, up $1,663 (2%).
The crime index goes from 124 in Lincoln to 144 in Glendale, up 20 points (16%).
The move
Glendale and Lincoln are 989 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,528 a month in Glendale to $1,086 a month in Lincoln, down $442 a month (29%).
Median household income goes from $73,530 in Glendale to $71,867 in Lincoln, down $1,663 (2%).
The crime index goes from 144 in Glendale to 124 in Lincoln, down 20 points (14%).
Lincoln, NE
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Glendale, AZ
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Lincoln and Glendale? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
29% cheaper
Lincoln rent is 29% cheaper than Glendale
Lincoln
Winner$1,086/mo
Glendale
$1,528/mo
Typical rent runs $1,086 a month in Lincoln versus $1,528 in Glendale, so Lincoln is 29% cheaper. That's roughly $442/month back in your pocket ($5,304/year). Over five years that's $26,520 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Glendale, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Lincoln is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Lincoln? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
2% higher
Glendale's median income is 2% higher than Lincoln
Lincoln
$71,867
Glendale
Winner$73,530
Median household income is $73,530 in Glendale versus $71,867 in Lincoln, so typical pay runs 2% higher in Glendale (about $1,663 more household income a year). The income edge is modest. Treat it as extra negotiating context, not a reason to ignore rent, schools, or climate. Remote workers especially should not treat citywide pay as a personal raise if their employer will not localize salary.
Crime index
14% lower crime
Lincoln's crime index is 14% lower than Glendale
Lincoln
Winner124 (100 = avg)
Glendale
144 (100 = avg)
Lincoln's crime index is 124 versus 144 in Glendale (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 14% lower in Lincoln. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Lincoln, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Glendale. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
35% more comfortable
Glendale weather is 35% more comfortable than Lincoln
Lincoln
55°F avg · 64°F highs · comfort 72/100
Glendale
Winner81°F avg · 87°F highs · comfort 97/100
Lincoln averages about 55°F (64°F highs); Glendale averages about 81°F (87°F highs). Lincoln averages around 55°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Glendale averages around 81°F. Glendale scores 35% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Lincoln if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy
Lincoln is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 29% cheaper here at about $1,086 a month. Choose Lincoln if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Lincoln is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 14% lower than Glendale (124 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 2% higher ($73,530), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 81°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Bottom line
Lincoln (55°F) and Glendale (81°F) are not interchangeable on climate — about 26°F apart on typical temperatures. Rent ($1,086 vs $1,528) and pay ($71,867 vs $73,530) still matter, yet most movers regret ignoring the forecast row.
Glendale still pays more locally ($73,530 median income vs $71,867), which can offset the lease if your field pays Glendale rates.
Safety scores read 53/100 in Lincoln and 49/100 in Glendale.
If climate drives your move, Lincoln is the stronger match (55°F typical weather versus 81°F). If an employer or family tie already points to Glendale, treat $1,528/month rent and $73,530 income as the numbers that actually govern the decision.
Common questions
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Next steps
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Lincoln and Glendale, plus other cities in NE and AZ.
