salaryLincoln is 12% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Lincoln to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$1,328
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,219
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$77,509
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$264,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
91.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$4,023
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$104
👥 People living there
2,711,226
294,856
Commute to work
33.1 min
18.4 min
College degree
44.3%
41.8%
Own their home
46%
56.1%
Below poverty line
16.8%
12.7%
Unemployment
8%
3.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Lincoln for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Lincoln | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $103,380 | $60,670 | -41% in Lincoln |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $60,680 | -41% in Lincoln |
| Lawyer | $165,660 | $101,300 | -39% in Lincoln |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $49,910 | -38% in Lincoln |
| Truck Driver | $62,300 | $81,790 | +31% in Lincoln |
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $59,760 | -28% in Lincoln |
| Market Research Analyst | $80,400 | $58,750 | -27% in Lincoln |
| Software Developer | $134,380 | $101,690 | -24% in Lincoln |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Lincoln is about 12% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,328 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Lincoln to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $53,042 a year gives the same standard of living in Lincoln.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Lincoln?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $77,509 in Lincoln, 8% more in Chicago.