Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Omaha, NE (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Omaha

Nebraska
80

Denver is 84% more expensive than Omaha.

$1,770/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,150/mo ↓ 35%
$91,681/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$72,708/yr ↓ 21%
$586,700 ↑ 155%
Home Value
$230,100 ↓ 61%
$1,839/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,249/mo ↓ 32%
713,734
Population
488,197

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.64%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Omaha, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $620/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $7,440/year.

Median household income is $18,973/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $230,100 in Omaha.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Omaha — common questions

Is Denver or Omaha cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Omaha?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Omaha it's $1,150/month — a difference of $620/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Omaha?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $72,708 in Omaha. Median household income is $18,973/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Nebraska?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Omaha?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Omaha details →

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