Home › Compare › Omaha, NE vs St. Louis, MO

Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs St. Louis, MO

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

1.1% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
9.8% 9.8% cheaper housing
1.1% 1.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 9.8% cheaper
Omaha
82
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Omaha
95
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Omaha
96
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Omaha
96
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities 6.2% more
Omaha
96
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Omaha, NE St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index9190~Same
Housing82749.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,0004.8% less
Median Home Price$240,000$185,00022.9% less
Groceries9596~Same
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities961026.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Omaha, NE St. Louis, MO
State Income Tax5.84% (top)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax5.50%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.54%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Omaha, NE
$66,000
Median household income
St. Louis, MO
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: St. Louis 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 St. Louis to maintain your Omaha lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Omaha (91) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Omaha3.0%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Omaha2.6%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
OmahaFinance, Insurance, Agriculture
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Omaha20 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Omaha38
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Omaha38
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Omaha51°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Omaha486,051
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Omaha or St. Louis cheaper to live in?+
St. Louis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 9.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Omaha vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Omaha and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Omaha or St. Louis?+
Nebraska has a state income tax of 5.84% (top) and sales tax of 5.50%. Missouri has a state income tax of 4.80% (top) and sales tax of 4.23%. 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 St. Louis?+
Median household income in Omaha is $66,000 compared to $52,000 in St. Louis. 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 St. Louis?+
The median home price in Omaha is $240,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: Nebraska averages 1.54% while Missouri averages 0.88%.