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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Lincoln is 12% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,045/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 18%
$69,991/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 26%
$248,200 ≈ Same
Home Value
$248,600 ≈ Same
$1,140/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 29%
291,932
Population
149,785

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $192/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $2,304/year.

Median household income is $18,035/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Joliet — common questions

Is Lincoln or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Joliet?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $192/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Joliet?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $18,035/year higher in Joliet.
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 Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lincoln and Joliet

Lincoln vs. St. Louis Lincoln vs. Jersey City Lincoln vs. Greensboro Lincoln vs. Anchorage Lincoln vs. Pittsburgh Lincoln vs. Durham Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena