Home › Compare › Mesa, AZ vs Omaha, NE

Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ 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.

8.1% Omaha, NE is cheaper overall
21.2% 21.2% cheaper housing
2.1% 2.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 21.2% cheaper
Mesa
104
Omaha
82
🛒 Groceries 2.1% cheaper
Mesa
97
Omaha
95
🚗 Transportation 4.0% cheaper
Mesa
100
Omaha
96
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% more
Mesa
94
Omaha
96
⚡ Utilities 9.4% cheaper
Mesa
106
Omaha
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Mesa, AZ Omaha, NE Difference
Overall Cost Index99918.1% less
Housing1048221.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,250$1,05016.0% less
Median Home Price$365,000$240,00034.2% less
Groceries97952.1% less
Transportation100964.0% less
Healthcare94962.1% more
Utilities106969.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Mesa, AZ Omaha, NE
State Income Tax2.50%5.84% (top)
State Sales Tax5.60%5.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.51%1.54%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Mesa, AZ
$66,000
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 Mesa lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Mesa (99) vs Omaha (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Mesa3.8%
Omaha3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Mesa3.2%
Omaha2.6%
Top Industries
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare
OmahaFinance, Insurance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Mesa26 min
Omaha20 min
Walk Score
Mesa32
Omaha38
Air Quality (AQI)
Mesa56
Omaha38
Avg Temperature
Mesa74°F
Omaha51°F
Population
Mesa504,258
Omaha486,051

Moving from Mesa to Omaha?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Mesa 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 Mesa 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 21.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Mesa vs Omaha?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,250/month in Mesa and $1,050/month in Omaha — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Mesa or Omaha?+
Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Mesa to Omaha?+
Median household income in Mesa is $66,000 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 Mesa vs Omaha?+
The median home price in Mesa is $365,000 versus $240,000 in Omaha — a difference of $125,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Nebraska averages 1.54%.