Home › Compare › Albuquerque, NM vs Omaha, NE

Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Omaha, NE

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

1.1% Omaha, NE is cheaper overall
6.8% 6.8% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 6.8% cheaper
Albuquerque
88
Omaha
82
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Albuquerque
96
Omaha
95
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Albuquerque
96
Omaha
96
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% more
Albuquerque
92
Omaha
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Albuquerque
96
Omaha
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Albuquerque, NM Omaha, NE Difference
Overall Cost Index9291~Same
Housing88826.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,050~Same
Median Home Price$280,000$240,00014.3% less
Groceries9695~Same
Transportation9696~Same
Healthcare92964.3% more
Utilities9696~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Albuquerque, NM Omaha, NE
State Income Tax5.90% (top)5.84% (top)
State Sales Tax5.00%5.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.67%1.54%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Albuquerque, NM
$58,000
Median household income
Omaha, NE
$66,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Omaha outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Omaha to maintain your Albuquerque lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Albuquerque (92) vs Omaha (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Albuquerque4.5%
Omaha3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Albuquerque2.0%
Omaha2.6%
Top Industries
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare
OmahaFinance, Insurance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Albuquerque22 min
Omaha20 min
Walk Score
Albuquerque36
Omaha38
Air Quality (AQI)
Albuquerque42
Omaha38
Avg Temperature
Albuquerque57°F
Omaha51°F
Population
Albuquerque564,559
Omaha486,051

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Albuquerque and Omaha → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Omaha →

Compare Other Cities

Albuquerque vs Austin → Albuquerque vs Denver → Albuquerque vs Nashville → Omaha vs Raleigh → Omaha vs Portland → Omaha vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Albuquerque or Omaha cheaper to live in?+
Omaha is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 6.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Omaha?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Albuquerque and $1,050/month in Omaha — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Albuquerque or Omaha?+
New Mexico has a state income tax of 5.90% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. Nebraska has a state income tax of 5.84% (top) and sales tax of 5.50%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Albuquerque to Omaha?+
Median household income in Albuquerque is $58,000 compared to $66,000 in Omaha. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Albuquerque vs Omaha?+
The median home price in Albuquerque is $280,000 versus $240,000 in Omaha — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: New Mexico averages 0.67% while Nebraska averages 1.54%.