| Index | Omaha | Nebraska | National |
| Cost of living | 98 | 91 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 97 | 100 |
| Health care | 100 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 94 | 76 | 100 |
| Transportation | 102 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 95 | 96 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 95 | 97 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 101 | 96 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Omaha can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Omaha cost of living index is 98, which is 2% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
The cost of living in Omaha is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.
When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 86 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Omaha. The results indicated that 69% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 31% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.
Wondering if Omaha is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Omaha, for example, the median home price is 7.9% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 0.1% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Omaha boasting a median household income of $92,475, which is 13.7% higher than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Omaha, healthcare costs are 0.5% lower than the national average.
Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Omaha, the housing index stands at 5.5% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Omaha, the utilities index registers at 4.9% lower than the national average.
The Omaha cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.
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| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
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| Utilities index | |
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| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $125,336 | $10,445 | $2,924 | $3,760 |
| Renters | $59,320 | $4,943 | $1,384 | $1,780 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Nebraska | 5.5% | 7.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Nebraska | 2.46% | 6.64% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Boys Town, NE | 873 | 99 | 1.2% |
| La Platte, NE | 139 | 98 | 2.3% |
| Weston, IA | 144 | 97 | 3.0% |
| Richfield, NE | 14 | 98 | 2.3% |
| Council Bluffs, IA | 63,786 | 90 | 10.1% |
| Omaha, NE | 494,852 | 98 | 2.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Kansas City, MO | 501,302 | 96 | 3.5% |
| Raleigh, NC | 482,278 | 115 | 14.5% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 481,855 | 121 | 21.0% |
| Long Beach, CA | 480,084 | 162 | 62.4% |
| Atlanta, GA | 514,426 | 119 | 18.7% |
| Omaha, NE | 494,852 | 98 | 2.5% |
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