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

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Omaha is 9% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,150/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 8%
$72,708/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 21%
$230,100 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 8%
$1,249/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 18%
488,197
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

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $15,318/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Joliet — common questions

Is Omaha or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Joliet?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Joliet?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $15,318/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 Omaha or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/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 Omaha details → View Joliet details →

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