Lincoln vs. Fes: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Lincoln presents a significantly more affordable cost of living than Fes, particularly concerning housing and transportation. A mid-range restaurant meal for two costs around $40 in Lincoln, slightly cheaper than the 500 MAD ($40 USD) average in Fes, though both exceed typical US levels. Crucially, Fes's property price-to-income ratio stands at 7.69, dramatically higher than Lincoln's 0.75, indicating housing consumes a vastly larger proportion of income there. Transportation costs also lean towards Lincoln, with a monthly public transport pass at $60 compared to Fes's $80, and Lincoln boasts much lower fuel costs at $3.60 per litre against Fes's steep $13.00.

The gap in quality of life factors between the two cities is stark. Lincoln's healthcare system is far more effective, scoring nearly perfect at 92, reflecting top-tier medical facilities and outcomes, while Fes's score of 65 suggests potential difficulties accessing reliable care. Safety is another critical area where Lincoln dominates, with a safety index of 94, vastly superior to Fes's alarmingly low score of 39. Although climate quality is somewhat comparable, with Lincoln at 82 and Fes at 86, Fes generally offers a more temperate environment.

Economically, Fes offers higher earning potential, with an average net salary of $4,525/month versus Lincoln's $3,000/month. However, this advantage must be carefully weighed against the significantly higher cost of living, especially the intense housing pressure. Fes also presents a slightly lower annual mortgage interest rate (4.5%) than Lincoln (6.0%), potentially easing homeownership for those with stable incomes. Despite a slightly lower GDP per capita ($8,900 vs. $15,000) and a marginally higher population growth rate (0.84% vs. 0.50%), Fes remains a more lucrative place to work.

The core trade-off between Lincoln and Fes revolves around balancing financial burden against quality of life. Lincoln excels in healthcare, safety, and transportation affordability, making daily life less stressful on the wallet. Fes, while offering higher salaries and a potentially more pleasant climate, imposes a much heavier cost of living, particularly through expensive housing, which strains household budgets despite the higher income. Choosing between these two cities requires a clear-eyed assessment of whether higher earnings and a potentially milder climate justify the significant increase in living expenses and the associated compromises in healthcare access and personal security.