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Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Richmond, VA

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

9.9% Richmond, VA is more expensive overall
26.8% 26.8% 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 26.8% more
Omaha
82
Richmond
104
🛒 Groceries 3.2% more
Omaha
95
Richmond
98
🚗 Transportation 2.1% more
Omaha
96
Richmond
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.2% more
Omaha
96
Richmond
100
⚡ Utilities 4.2% more
Omaha
96
Richmond
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Omaha, NE Richmond, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index911009.9% more
Housing8210426.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,30023.8% more
Median Home Price$240,000$320,00033.3% more
Groceries95983.2% more
Transportation96982.1% more
Healthcare961004.2% more
Utilities961004.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Omaha, NE Richmond, VA
State Income Tax5.84% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax5.50%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.54%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Omaha, NE
$66,000
Median household income
Richmond, VA
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Richmond 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 Richmond to maintain your Omaha lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Omaha (91) vs Richmond (100). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Omaha3.0%
Richmond3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Omaha2.6%
Richmond2.5%
Top Industries
OmahaFinance, Insurance, Agriculture
RichmondFinance, Government, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Omaha20 min
Richmond24 min
Walk Score
Omaha38
Richmond52
Air Quality (AQI)
Omaha38
Richmond38
Avg Temperature
Omaha51°F
Richmond58°F
Population
Omaha486,051
Richmond226,610

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Omaha or Richmond cheaper to live in?+
Omaha is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 26.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Omaha vs Richmond?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Omaha and $1,300/month in Richmond — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Omaha or Richmond?+
Nebraska has a state income tax of 5.84% (top) and sales tax of 5.50%. Virginia has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 5.30%. 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 Richmond?+
Median household income in Omaha is $66,000 compared to $62,000 in Richmond. 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 Richmond?+
The median home price in Omaha is $240,000 versus $320,000 in Richmond — a difference of $80,000. Property tax rates also differ: Nebraska averages 1.54% while Virginia averages 0.74%.