Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Omaha, NE (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Omaha

Nebraska
80

Austin is 68% more expensive than Omaha.

$1,655/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,150/mo ↓ 31%
$91,461/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$72,708/yr ↓ 21%
$512,700 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$230,100 ↓ 55%
$1,747/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,249/mo ↓ 29%
967,862
Population
488,197

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.64%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Omaha, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $505/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $6,060/year.

Median household income is $18,753/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $230,100 in Omaha.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Omaha — common questions

Is Austin or Omaha cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Omaha?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Omaha it's $1,150/month — a difference of $505/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Omaha?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $72,708 in Omaha. Median household income is $18,753/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Nebraska?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Omaha?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Omaha has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,150/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Omaha details →

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