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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Lincoln is 26% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,045/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 9%
$69,991/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 16%
$248,200 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 40%
$1,140/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 12%
291,932
Population
112,126

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
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $11,275/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Peoria — common questions

Is Lincoln or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Peoria?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Peoria?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $11,275/year higher in Lincoln.
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 Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

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