Home › Compare › Los Angeles, CA vs Omaha, NE

Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA 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.

33.1% Omaha, NE is cheaper overall
53.9% 53.9% 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 53.9% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Omaha
82
🛒 Groceries 13.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Omaha
95
🚗 Transportation 23.2% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Omaha
96
🏥 Healthcare 14.3% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Omaha
96
⚡ Utilities 8.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
105
Omaha
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Omaha, NE Difference
Overall Cost Index1369133.1% less
Housing1788253.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,05058.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$240,00072.7% less
Groceries1109513.6% less
Transportation1259623.2% less
Healthcare1129614.3% less
Utilities105968.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Omaha, NE
State Income Tax13.30% (top)5.84% (top)
State Sales Tax7.25%5.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%1.54%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
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 Los Angeles lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Omaha (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Omaha3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Omaha2.6%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
OmahaFinance, Insurance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Omaha20 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Omaha38
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Omaha38
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Omaha51°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Omaha486,051

Moving from Los Angeles to Omaha?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles 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

Los Angeles vs Austin → Los Angeles vs Denver → Los Angeles vs Nashville → Omaha vs Raleigh → Omaha vs Portland → Omaha vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles 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 53.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Omaha?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,050/month in Omaha — a difference of about $1,450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Omaha?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Los Angeles to Omaha?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 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 Los Angeles vs Omaha?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $240,000 in Omaha — a difference of $640,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Nebraska averages 1.54%.