HomeCompare › Omaha, NE vs Pittsburgh, PA

Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Pittsburgh, PA

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

5.5% Pittsburgh, PA is more expensive overall
7.3% 7.3% more expensive housing
5.3% 5.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 7.3% more
Omaha
82
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 5.3% more
Omaha
95
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 8.3% more
Omaha
96
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% more
Omaha
96
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 8.3% more
Omaha
96
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Omaha, NE Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index91965.5% more
Housing82887.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,20014.3% more
Median Home Price$240,000$225,0006.2% less
Groceries951005.3% more
Transportation961048.3% more
Healthcare96982.1% more
Utilities961048.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Omaha, NE Pittsburgh, PA
State Income Tax5.84% (top)3.07%
State Sales Tax5.50%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.54%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Omaha, NE
$66,000
Median household income
Pittsburgh, PA
$60,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Pittsburgh costs more but median income is lower. 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 Pittsburgh to maintain your Omaha lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Omaha3.0%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Omaha2.6%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
OmahaFinance, Insurance, Agriculture
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Omaha20 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Omaha38
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Omaha38
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Omaha51°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Omaha486,051
Pittsburgh302,971

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Omaha or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?+
Omaha is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 7.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Omaha vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Omaha and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Omaha or Pittsburgh?+
Nebraska has a state income tax of 5.84% (top) and sales tax of 5.50%. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% 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 Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Omaha is $66,000 compared to $60,000 in Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Omaha is $240,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $15,000. Property tax rates also differ: Nebraska averages 1.54% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.