Cost of Living: Lincoln vs Peoria (2026)
Peoria has a 4% lower overall cost of living than Lincoln as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,050/mo in Peoria vs $1,150/mo in Lincoln — a 10% difference.
- Peoria is 4% cheaper overall (COL index: 86 vs 83)
- 1BR rent: $1,050/mo in Peoria vs $1,150/mo — 9% savings
- Higher median household income: Lincoln ($57,000/yr vs $50,000/yr)
- Median home price: $175,000 in Peoria vs $245,000 — 29% difference
| Category | Lincoln Nebraska | Peoria Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $900 | $850Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,150 | $1,050Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,500 | $1,400Best |
| Median home price | $245K | $175KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 94Best | 95 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12Best | $12 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $48Best | $48 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $48Best | $55 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.00Best | $3.05 |
| Car insurance/mo | $142Best | $148 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $152Best | $158 |
| Internet/mo | $58Best | $60 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $57KBest | $50K |
| State income tax% | 5.8% | 5.0%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 7.0%Best | 8.5% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Best | $13.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $33Best | $33 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.00Best | $5.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 86 | 83Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 36 | 38Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Lincoln cheaper than Peoria?
No. Peoria is 4% cheaper than Lincoln based on overall cost of living indices (83 vs 86, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Lincoln vs Peoria?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Lincoln is $1,150/month and in Peoria is $1,050/month. Lincoln is more expensive by 10%.
How much do I need to earn in Peoria to match a $75,000 salary in Lincoln?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $72,384/year in Peoria to match a $75,000 salary in Lincoln. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Lincoln or Peoria?
Peoria has the lower state income tax rate at 5% vs 5.8%. The difference is 0.8 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Lincoln to Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Peoria offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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