Omaha is 11% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Omaha to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$1,448
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,367
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$78,947
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$245,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
91.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$4,128
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$131
👥 People living there
2,711,226
488,837
Commute to work
33.1 min
19.6 min
College degree
44.3%
40.1%
Own their home
46%
57.4%
Below poverty line
16.8%
13.5%
Unemployment
8%
4.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Omaha for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Omaha | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $102,350 | $62,440 | -39% in Omaha |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $63,400 | -39% in Omaha |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $52,800 | -34% in Omaha |
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $61,040 | -26% in Omaha |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $80,280 | -26% in Omaha |
| Market Research Analyst | $80,400 | $62,280 | -23% in Omaha |
| Lawyer | $165,660 | $131,730 | -20% in Omaha |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $62,670 | -20% in Omaha |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Omaha cheaper to live in?
Omaha is about 11% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,448 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Omaha to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $53,233 a year gives the same standard of living in Omaha.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Omaha?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $78,947 in Omaha, 6% more in Chicago.