Chicago, IL vs Lincoln, NE
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
Chicago is the more expensive housing market by roughly 21%; Chicago earns more at the median (7% higher), partly offsetting the cost difference. Whether that math works depends on what fraction of housing cost a relocating household plans to absorb.
Median Home Value
$315,200
$248,200 ✓
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$285,359
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo
$1,045/mo ✓
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
55.8%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
19.8x
Median Household Income
$75,134 ✓
$69,991
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$39,187
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
3.3% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
12.6%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
20.0 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
75.7%
Public Transit %
19.3%
0.9%
Work From Home %
18.3%
10.0%
State Income Tax
5.0%
5.8%
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
6.9% ✓
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
1.7%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.9%
26.4%
Median Age
35.7
33.4
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
—
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
30.9"
Chicago, IL 1 wins
- ✓Median Household Income
Lincoln, NE 4 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Unemployment Rate
Thinking about moving? See what salary you'd need in each city.
Open Cost of Living Calculator →