Median rent is 38% lower in Norfolk ($850/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Norfolk, where the median home runs $199,100 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $62,175 a year). Taken together, Norfolk is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.9 against 105.7 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Norfolk is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 97.9 in Norfolk vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Norfolk, NE
How much would you need to earn in Norfolk, NE to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Norfolk, NE
$69,465
You could earn $5,535 less (7% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Chicago
Illinois
Norfolk
Nebraska
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Norfolk — median rent of $850/mo versus $1,380/mo in Chicago, a 38% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $199,100 in Norfolk — 37% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 5.84% in Nebraska, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 5.50% in Nebraska; Norfolk has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Norfolk
Income tax: 5.84%
Sales tax: 5.50%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Norfolk.
Pick Norfolk if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 97.9 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Norfolk if you prioritize cheaper rent ($850/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Norfolk?
Norfolk is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.9 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Norfolk.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Norfolk?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $850/mo in Norfolk, NE. Norfolk, NE has the lower rent by about 38%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Norfolk?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $62,175 in Norfolk, NE. Chicago, IL has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Norfolk?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Nebraska's is 5.84%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Norfolk to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $92,620 in Norfolk, NE (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology