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Cost of Living: Houston, TX 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.

5.2% Omaha, NE is cheaper overall
10.9% 10.9% cheaper housing
1.1% 1.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 10.9% cheaper
Houston
92
Omaha
82
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Houston
94
Omaha
95
🚗 Transportation 4.0% cheaper
Houston
100
Omaha
96
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Houston
95
Omaha
96
⚡ Utilities 9.4% cheaper
Houston
106
Omaha
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Houston, TX Omaha, NE Difference
Overall Cost Index96915.2% less
Housing928210.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,200$1,05012.5% less
Median Home Price$295,000$240,00018.6% less
Groceries9495~Same
Transportation100964.0% less
Healthcare9596~Same
Utilities106969.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Houston, TX Omaha, NE
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.84% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%1.54%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Houston, TX
$67,000
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 Houston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Houston (96) vs Omaha (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Houston4.5%
Omaha3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Houston3.1%
Omaha2.6%
Top Industries
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace
OmahaFinance, Insurance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Houston30 min
Omaha20 min
Walk Score
Houston33
Omaha38
Air Quality (AQI)
Houston52
Omaha38
Avg Temperature
Houston70°F
Omaha51°F
Population
Houston2,304,580
Omaha486,051

Moving from Houston to Omaha?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Houston 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 Houston 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 10.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Houston vs Omaha?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,200/month in Houston and $1,050/month in Omaha — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Houston or Omaha?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Houston to Omaha?+
Median household income in Houston is $67,000 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 Houston vs Omaha?+
The median home price in Houston is $295,000 versus $240,000 in Omaha — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Nebraska averages 1.54%.