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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Omaha, NE

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

15.0% Omaha, NE is cheaper overall
21.9% 21.9% cheaper housing
8.7% 8.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 21.9% cheaper
Chicago
105
Omaha
82
🛒 Groceries 8.7% cheaper
Chicago
104
Omaha
95
🚗 Transportation 15.8% cheaper
Chicago
114
Omaha
96
🏥 Healthcare 6.8% cheaper
Chicago
103
Omaha
96
⚡ Utilities 5.0% cheaper
Chicago
101
Omaha
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Omaha, NE Difference
Overall Cost Index1079115.0% less
Housing1058221.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,05038.2% less
Median Home Price$310,000$240,00022.6% less
Groceries104958.7% less
Transportation1149615.8% less
Healthcare103966.8% less
Utilities101965.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Omaha, NE
State Income Tax4.95%5.84% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%1.54%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
Omaha, NE
$66,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Omaha outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Omaha to maintain your Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Omaha (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Omaha3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Omaha2.6%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
OmahaFinance, Insurance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Omaha20 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Omaha38
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Omaha38
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Omaha51°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Omaha486,051

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago and Omaha → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Omaha →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Omaha cheaper to live in?+
Omaha is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 21.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Omaha?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,050/month in Omaha — a difference of about $650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Omaha?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. Nebraska has a state income tax of 5.84% (top) and sales tax of 5.50%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Chicago to Omaha?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $66,000 in Omaha. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Chicago vs Omaha?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $240,000 in Omaha — a difference of $70,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Nebraska averages 1.54%.