Is Omaha or Chicago more affordable?
Omaha has a median rent of $1,000/month, while Chicago is $1,209/month. Omaha is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Omaha, NE vs Chicago, IL
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Omaha and Chicago.
3
Omaha wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
2
Chicago wins
NE
Omaha
vs
IL
Chicago
Overview
486,051
Population
2,742,119
$61,272
Median Income
+7.4%$65,781✓
Cost of Living
$1,000✓
Median Rent / mo
+20.9%$1,209
$215,000✓
Median Home Price
+29.1%$277,600
20%
Rent-to-Income %
22%
Taxes
6.84%
State Income Tax
4.95%✓
7.00%
Local Tax Rate
0.00%
Climate & Weather
62°F
Avg High Temp
54.12°F
42°F
Avg Low Temp
49.03°F
213 days✓
Sunny Days / Year
N/A
31"
Annual Rainfall
N/A
Who should choose
Omaha, NE
Omaha is a city in Nebraska with a population of 486,051.
Read full Omaha guide →Who should choose
Chicago, IL
Chicago is a city in Illinois with a population of 2,742,119.
Read full Chicago guide →Omaha vs Chicago — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Omaha or Chicago?
Nebraska has a 6.84% state income tax. Illinois has a 4.95% state income tax. Chicago wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Omaha and Chicago?
Omaha gets 213 sunny days/year. Avg high in Omaha: 62°F. Avg high in Chicago: 54.12°F
Which city is better for families — Omaha or Chicago?
Omaha. Chicago. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.