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Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI 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.

2.2% Omaha, NE is cheaper overall
0.0% 0.0% cheaper housing
3.1% 3.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Milwaukee
82
Omaha
82
🛒 Groceries 3.1% cheaper
Milwaukee
98
Omaha
95
🚗 Transportation 4.0% cheaper
Milwaukee
100
Omaha
96
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Milwaukee
98
Omaha
96
⚡ Utilities 4.0% cheaper
Milwaukee
100
Omaha
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Milwaukee, WI Omaha, NE Difference
Overall Cost Index93912.2% less
Housing8282~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,050~Same
Median Home Price$175,000$240,00037.1% more
Groceries98953.1% less
Transportation100964.0% less
Healthcare9896~Same
Utilities100964.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Milwaukee, WI Omaha, NE
State Income Tax7.65% (top)5.84% (top)
State Sales Tax5.00%5.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.51%1.54%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
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 Milwaukee lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Milwaukee (93) vs Omaha (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Milwaukee4.2%
Omaha3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Milwaukee1.8%
Omaha2.6%
Top Industries
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
OmahaFinance, Insurance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Milwaukee24 min
Omaha20 min
Walk Score
Milwaukee62
Omaha38
Air Quality (AQI)
Milwaukee40
Omaha38
Avg Temperature
Milwaukee47°F
Omaha51°F
Population
Milwaukee577,222
Omaha486,051

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 0.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs Omaha?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Milwaukee and $1,050/month in Omaha — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Milwaukee or Omaha?+
Wisconsin has a state income tax of 7.65% (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 Milwaukee to Omaha?+
Median household income in Milwaukee is $55,000 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 Milwaukee vs Omaha?+
The median home price in Milwaukee is $175,000 versus $240,000 in Omaha — a difference of $65,000. Property tax rates also differ: Wisconsin averages 1.51% while Nebraska averages 1.54%.