Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Omaha, NE (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Omaha

Nebraska
80

Fresno is 26% more expensive than Omaha.

$1,324/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,150/mo ↓ 13%
$66,804/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$72,708/yr ↑ 9%
$348,500 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$230,100 ↓ 34%
$1,391/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,249/mo ↓ 10%
543,615
Population
488,197

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.64%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Omaha, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $5,904/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $230,100 in Omaha.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Omaha — common questions

Is Fresno or Omaha cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Omaha?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Omaha it's $1,150/month — a difference of $174/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Omaha?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $72,708 in Omaha. Median household income is $5,904/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between California and Nebraska?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Omaha?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Omaha details →

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