Quick answer
Nebraska has lower average 1BR rent ($1,050/mo vs $1,850/mo). State income tax: Illinois (4.95%) vs Nebraska (Up to 5.84%) — on a $120K salary that's $1,068/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Illinois vs Nebraska
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Illinois vs Nebraska at a Glance
| Metric | Illinois | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,850 | $1,050 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $340K | $250K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Omaha ($1,050) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Omaha ($1,050) |
| State income tax | 4.95% ✓ | Up to 5.84% |
| Avg walkability | 78/100 ✓ | 39/100 |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 1 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: Illinois (4.95%).
Salary $80K
$712
/year saved in Illinois
Salary $120K
$1,068
/year saved in Illinois
Salary $200K
$1,780
/year saved in Illinois
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
Illinois (IL)
Tax reality
Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax (moderate) — but property taxes are among the highest in the US, averaging 2.1% effective. On a $350K Chicago home that's $7,400/year. Combined tax burden is higher than it looks. The state's pension underfunding creates long-term fiscal risk for homeowners.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Property tax is brutal — Cook County averages 2.3% effective. On a $500K home, that's $11,500/year. Homeowners feel this every month.
- ✕Chicago winters are genuinely cold. Lake-effect snow, mid-December through March subzero streaks, and winds off Lake Michigan can make it feel -20°F. This is the biggest filter for people considering moving here.
- ✕The state fiscal situation (pension debt, budget pressures) drives ongoing policy uncertainty — property tax, sales tax, and various fees continue to drift upward.
Nebraska (NE)
Tax reality
Nebraska has a progressive state income tax up to 5.84% (being phased down). Property tax is high (~1.6% effective) — among the higher rates in the US. Sales tax 5.5% state + local to 7.5%. No estate tax.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Property tax is high — 1.6% effective statewide, meaning a $350K home pays $5,600/year in property tax. This is high relative to the low home prices.
- ✕Winters are real. Omaha averages 28 inches of snow per year and regularly hits sub-zero wind chills in January-February.
- ✕Summers are hot humid with severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes. Nebraska is in the tornado belt though slightly less intense than Oklahoma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Illinois or Nebraska cheaper to live in?
Nebraska has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,050/mo vs $1,850/mo in Illinois, a $800/mo difference. Home prices: Nebraska median is $250K vs $340K.
Illinois vs Nebraska: which has lower state income tax?
Illinois has lower state income tax (4.95%) vs Up to 5.84% in Nebraska. On an $80K salary that's $712/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $1,780/year.
Should I move from Illinois to Nebraska?
Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax (moderate) — but property taxes are among the highest in the US, averaging 2.1% effective. On a $350K Chicago home that's $7,400/year. Combined tax burden is higher than it looks. The state's pension underfunding creates long-term fiscal risk for homeowners.
What are the best cities in Illinois vs Nebraska?
Illinois's largest metros include Chicago. Nebraska's largest metros include Omaha. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Illinois suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.