Cost of Living in Omaha, NE
Population 488,197 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Omaha lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $230,000 — 25% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Nebraska.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Omaha
The median home value in Omaha is $230,100 — 25% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,150/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,708/year is 3% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Nebraska's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, Omaha has a cost of living index of 80 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Omaha, NE?
Omaha has a cost index of 80 (100 = national average). It is 20% below the national average.
What is average rent in Omaha, NE?
The median gross rent in Omaha is $1,150 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Omaha?
The median home value in Omaha is $230,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Omaha?
The median household income in Omaha is $72,708 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Omaha, NE?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Omaha is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Omaha, NE affordable?
Yes, Omaha is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 80 — about 20% below the US national average of 100.
Omaha at a Glance
- Population
- 488,197
- Median Income
- $72,708
- Home Value
- $230,100
- Median Rent
- $1,150/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Nebraska Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs