Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Omaha, NE (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Omaha

Nebraska
80

Boston is 120% more expensive than Omaha.

$2,093/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,150/mo ↓ 45%
$94,755/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$72,708/yr ↓ 23%
$710,400 ↑ 209%
Home Value
$230,100 ↓ 68%
$2,176/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,249/mo ↓ 43%
663,972
Population
488,197

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.64%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Omaha, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $943/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $11,316/year.

Median household income is $22,047/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $230,100 in Omaha.

Nebraska has a lower income tax rate, making Omaha slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Omaha — common questions

Is Boston or Omaha cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Omaha?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Omaha it's $1,150/month — a difference of $943/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Omaha?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $72,708 in Omaha. Median household income is $22,047/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Nebraska?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Omaha?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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More Comparisons

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