Data last updated: August 2026

Chicago, ILLincoln, NE

You would need around 46.3% less money in Lincoln, NE to maintain the same standard of living you have in Chicago, IL.

Overall Cost of Living

46.3%

Lincoln, NE is cheaper than Chicago, IL

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,406 USD
City B1,071 USD
Difference-55.5%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A293 USD
City B287 USD
Difference-2.0%

Average Net Salary

City A5,136 USD
City B3,775 USD
Difference-26.5%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Lincoln, NE is 46.3% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Lincoln, NE's center costs around 1,071 USD, which is a staggering 55.5% less than in Chicago, IL. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:To securely access your home banking and streaming services while living abroad, grab a reliable VPN like NordVPN before relocating.Check out NordVPN

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Chicago, IL and Lincoln, NE is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Lincoln, NE to maintain your current lifestyle in Chicago, IL.

USD

You need in Lincoln, NE

2,760 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Chicago, IL to Lincoln, NE and investing the 46% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 6.9 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Chicago, IL budget to local Lincoln, NE prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1071 USD
Groceries287 USD
Utilities & Internet264 USD

Investment Planner

You save 1335 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Lincoln, NE.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~224,280 USD in 10 years.