Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Chicago is 30% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,380/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 24%
$75,134/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 7%
$315,200 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 21%
$1,502/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 24%
2,707,648
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.64%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $5,143/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Chicago or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Lincoln?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Lincoln?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $5,143/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Nebraska?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,045/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Lincoln details →

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