Home › Compare › Omaha, NE vs Boise, ID

Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Boise, ID

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

14.3% Boise, ID is more expensive overall
43.9% 43.9% more expensive housing
3.2% 3.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 43.9% more
Omaha
82
Boise
118
🛒 Groceries 3.2% more
Omaha
95
Boise
98
🚗 Transportation 2.1% more
Omaha
96
Boise
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Omaha
96
Boise
96
⚡ Utilities 8.3% cheaper
Omaha
96
Boise
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Omaha, NE Boise, ID Difference
Overall Cost Index9110414.3% more
Housing8211843.9% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,30023.8% more
Median Home Price$240,000$430,00079.2% more
Groceries95983.2% more
Transportation96982.1% more
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities96888.3% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Omaha, NE Boise, ID
State Income Tax5.84% (top)5.80%
State Sales Tax5.50%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.54%0.58%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Omaha, NE
$66,000
Median household income
Boise, ID
$72,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Boise costs more but median income is only slightly higher. 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 Boise to maintain your Omaha lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Omaha (91) vs Boise (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Omaha3.0%
Boise3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Omaha2.6%
Boise3.8%
Top Industries
OmahaFinance, Insurance, Agriculture
BoiseTech, Agriculture, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Omaha20 min
Boise21 min
Walk Score
Omaha38
Boise39
Air Quality (AQI)
Omaha38
Boise44
Avg Temperature
Omaha51°F
Boise52°F
Population
Omaha486,051
Boise235,684

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Omaha and Boise → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Boise →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Omaha or Boise cheaper to live in?+
Omaha is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 43.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Omaha vs Boise?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Omaha and $1,300/month in Boise — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Omaha or Boise?+
Nebraska has a state income tax of 5.84% (top) and sales tax of 5.50%. Idaho has a state income tax of 5.80% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Omaha to Boise?+
Median household income in Omaha is $66,000 compared to $72,000 in Boise. 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 Omaha vs Boise?+
The median home price in Omaha is $240,000 versus $430,000 in Boise — a difference of $190,000. Property tax rates also differ: Nebraska averages 1.54% while Idaho averages 0.58%.