Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Omaha is 16% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $63,084 in Omaha.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Nebraska salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Omaha sits at 76 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $230,000 in Omaha, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,100 in Omaha.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Omaha scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Omaha (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $59,612 in Omaha. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Omaha.
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