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Cost of Living: Portland, OR 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.

20.2% Omaha, NE is cheaper overall
40.6% 40.6% cheaper housing
7.8% 7.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 40.6% cheaper
Portland
138
Omaha
82
🛒 Groceries 7.8% cheaper
Portland
103
Omaha
95
🚗 Transportation 11.1% cheaper
Portland
108
Omaha
96
🏥 Healthcare 10.3% cheaper
Portland
107
Omaha
96
⚡ Utilities 9.1% more
Portland
88
Omaha
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Omaha, NE Difference
Overall Cost Index1149120.2% less
Housing1388240.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,05032.3% less
Median Home Price$485,000$240,00050.5% less
Groceries103957.8% less
Transportation1089611.1% less
Healthcare1079610.3% less
Utilities88969.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Omaha, NE
State Income Tax8.75% (top)5.84% (top)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)5.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%1.54%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
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 Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Omaha (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Omaha3.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Omaha2.6%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
OmahaFinance, Insurance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Omaha20 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Omaha38
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Omaha38
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Omaha51°F
Population
Portland652,503
Omaha486,051

Moving from Portland to Omaha?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Portland 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 Portland 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 40.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Omaha?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,050/month in Omaha — a difference of about $500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Omaha?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Portland to Omaha?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 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 Portland vs Omaha?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $240,000 in Omaha — a difference of $245,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Nebraska averages 1.54%.