Salary Needed to Live in Lincoln as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $52,013/year to live comfortably in Lincoln, NE, including 10% savings.
Direct Answer
A single person needs about $52,013/year to live comfortably in Lincoln, NE. The bare-minimum salary is $44,984/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 10% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,130.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,774/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,334/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$52,013
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$44,984
$3,749/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,774
21% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Lincoln
| Expense | Lincoln | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Rent | $760 | $1,351 | -44% |
| Groceries | $206 | $207 | 0% |
| Utilities | $139 | $169 | -18% |
| Transportation | $321 | $316 | +2% |
| Car Insurance | $179 | $211 | -15% |
| Health Insurance | $583 | $630 | -7% |
| Internet | $59 | $65 | -9% |
| Phone | $77 | $85 | -9% |
| Dining & Social | $273 | $300 | -9% |
| Entertainment | $109 | $120 | -9% |
| Personal Care | $68 | $75 | -9% |
| Total Monthly | $2,774 | $3,529 | -21% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,774
Target savings (10%):$356/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,130
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$52,013
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$760
Studio/1BR rent is 27% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
26%
Estimated federal plus NE state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
10%
$356/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
91/100
Lincoln is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby midwest Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep studio/1br housing near $760/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $586/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone.
- Use $44,984/year as the survival floor and $52,013/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Lincoln
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Lincoln?
A single person needs approximately $52,013/year ($4,334/month gross) to live comfortably in Lincoln with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Lincoln?
A studio/1br in Lincoln costs approximately $760/month, which is the largest single expense at 27% of the total budget.
Is Lincoln affordable for a single person?
Yes, Lincoln is 21% more affordable than the national average for a single person.