City comparison
Yes. Lincoln's crime index is 124 versus 151 in Reno, and its violent crime index is 114 versus 156, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Lincoln is cheaper. Median rent is $1,086 a month versus $1,556 in Reno.
The cost gap between Lincoln and Reno is the real story here. Lincoln comes in 30% cheaper on typical rent ($1,086 vs $1,556), which over a year adds up to $5,640. Median household income runs $71,867 in Lincoln and $80,760 in Reno.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Lincoln costs less and Reno 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 Reno are 1,222 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,086 a month in Lincoln to $1,556 a month in Reno, up $470 a month (43%).
Median household income goes from $71,867 in Lincoln to $80,760 in Reno, up $8,893 (12%).
The crime index goes from 124 in Lincoln to 151 in Reno, up 27 points (22%).
The move
Reno and Lincoln are 1,222 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,556 a month in Reno to $1,086 a month in Lincoln, down $470 a month (30%).
Median household income goes from $80,760 in Reno to $71,867 in Lincoln, down $8,893 (11%).
The crime index goes from 151 in Reno to 124 in Lincoln, down 27 points (18%).
Lincoln, NE
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Reno, NV
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Lincoln and Reno? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
30% cheaper
Lincoln rent is 30% cheaper than Reno
Lincoln
Winner$1,086/mo
Reno
$1,556/mo
Typical rent runs $1,086 a month in Lincoln versus $1,556 in Reno, so Lincoln is 30% cheaper. That's roughly $470/month back in your pocket ($5,640/year). Over five years that's $28,200 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 Reno, 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
12% higher
Reno's median income is 12% higher than Lincoln
Lincoln
$71,867
Reno
Winner$80,760
Median household income is $80,760 in Reno versus $71,867 in Lincoln, so typical pay runs 12% higher in Reno (about $8,893 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Reno is the stronger labor market on paper. Lincoln can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
18% lower crime
Lincoln's crime index is 18% lower than Reno
Lincoln
Winner124 (100 = avg)
Reno
151 (100 = avg)
Lincoln's crime index is 124 versus 151 in Reno (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 18% lower in Lincoln. That gap is meaningful day-to-day. It affects whether you feel comfortable walking at night, leaving your car on the street, or letting kids play outside unsupervised. Indexes still compress a lot of reality: a calmer city has blocks you would skip, and a higher-crime city has streets that feel neighborly at 10 p.m. On the everyday test of walking from the car to the door, Lincoln is the easier city. Reno can still work if you pick the right pocket. Just budget more diligence before you sign a lease.
Typical weather
28% more comfortable
Reno weather is 28% more comfortable than Lincoln
Lincoln
55°F avg · 64°F highs · comfort 72/100
Reno
Winner62°F avg · 71°F highs · comfort 92/100
Lincoln averages about 55°F (64°F highs); Reno averages about 62°F (71°F highs). Lincoln averages around 55°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Reno averages around 62°F. Reno scores 28% 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 30% 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 18% lower than Reno (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 12% higher ($80,760), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 62°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Bottom line
On rent alone, Lincoln undercuts Reno by $470/month ($1,086 vs $1,556). I would not pick Reno on housing cost without a job that clears that spread.
Lincoln rent at $1,086/month is still below Reno's $1,556, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Weather averages land near 55°F in Lincoln and 62°F in Reno.
Lincoln is the default on housing cost at $1,086/month versus $1,556 in Reno; Reno stays in play when $80,760 local pay or an existing job offer outweighs the $470 lease gap.
Common questions
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Nearby research
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