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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Lincoln is 48% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,045/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 77%
$69,991/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 116%
$248,200 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 105%
$1,140/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 90%
291,932
Population
149,424

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
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $807/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $9,684/year.

Median household income is $80,946/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Naperville — common questions

Is Lincoln or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Naperville?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $807/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Naperville?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $80,946/year higher in Naperville.
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 Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Naperville details →

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