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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Omaha

Nebraska
80

Houston is 10% more expensive than Omaha.

$1,313/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,150/mo ↓ 12%
$62,894/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$72,708/yr ↑ 16%
$253,400 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$230,100 ↓ 9%
$1,316/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,249/mo ↓ 5%
2,300,419
Population
488,197

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Omaha, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $9,814/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $230,100 in Omaha.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Omaha — common questions

Is Houston or Omaha cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Omaha?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Omaha it's $1,150/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Omaha?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $72,708 in Omaha. Median household income is $9,814/year higher in Omaha.
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 Houston or Omaha?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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