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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Lincoln is 14% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,045/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 21%
$69,991/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 26%
$248,200 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 2%
$1,140/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 32%
291,932
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $215/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $2,580/year.

Median household income is $18,325/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Elgin — common questions

Is Lincoln or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Elgin?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $215/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Elgin?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $18,325/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Illinois?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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