Home › Compare › Boston, MA vs Omaha, NE

Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

32.6% Omaha, NE is cheaper overall
52.3% 52.3% cheaper housing
13.6% 13.6% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 52.3% cheaper
Boston
172
Omaha
82
🛒 Groceries 13.6% cheaper
Boston
110
Omaha
95
🚗 Transportation 18.6% cheaper
Boston
118
Omaha
96
🏥 Healthcare 16.5% cheaper
Boston
115
Omaha
96
⚡ Utilities 14.3% cheaper
Boston
112
Omaha
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Omaha, NE Difference
Overall Cost Index1359132.6% less
Housing1728252.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$1,05059.6% less
Median Home Price$700,000$240,00065.7% less
Groceries1109513.6% less
Transportation1189618.6% less
Healthcare1159616.5% less
Utilities1129614.3% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Omaha, NE
State Income Tax9.00% (top)5.84% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%1.54%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
Median household income
Omaha, NE
$66,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Omaha costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Omaha (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Omaha3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Omaha2.6%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
OmahaFinance, Insurance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Omaha20 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Omaha38
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Omaha38
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Omaha51°F
Population
Boston675,647
Omaha486,051

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston 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 52.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Omaha?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $1,050/month in Omaha — a difference of about $1,550 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Omaha?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Boston to Omaha?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Omaha?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $240,000 in Omaha — a difference of $460,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while Nebraska averages 1.54%.