63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
77
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Lincoln wins 4–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Lincoln wins 0–4 overall (77/100)
💰 Lincoln is more affordable
💼 Lincoln has lower unemployment
📋 Chicago vs Lincoln — The Verdict
Lincoln scores 77.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Lincoln has a clear edge with home prices 24% lower. Lincoln has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.0%. Lincoln may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers and job seekers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Lincoln are 24% lower — a difference of $74,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Lincoln saves you $316/month — that's $3,792 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $3,827 more per year (6% higher median income).
📊
Lincoln has a 1.6 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Lincoln has cleaner air with an AQI 43 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$230,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$998
Median Income
$71,673
$67,846
The affordability gap is significant — Lincoln offers home prices 24% lower than Chicago, translating to $74,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.0%
Lincoln has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 1.6 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
17 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Lincoln wins on air quality with an AQI 43 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
10
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Lincoln: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Lincoln is more affordable overall. Home prices are $74,100 lower in Lincoln. Monthly rent is $998 in Lincoln vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Lincoln have better weather?
Lincoln scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Lincoln better for finding a job?
Lincoln currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.0% in Lincoln. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $67,846 in Lincoln.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Lincoln?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Lincoln is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Lincoln. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Lincoln.
Should I move from Chicago to Lincoln?
Based on our data, Lincoln scores 77.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Lincoln is more affordable, while Lincoln has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.