Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Omaha, NE (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Omaha

Nebraska
80

Mesa is 27% more expensive than Omaha.

$1,478/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,150/mo ↓ 22%
$78,779/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$72,708/yr ↓ 8%
$364,300 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$230,100 ↓ 37%
$1,404/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,249/mo ↓ 11%
507,478
Population
488,197

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.64%
5.6%
Sales Tax
5.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Omaha, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $328/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $3,936/year.

Median household income is $6,071/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $230,100 in Omaha.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Omaha — common questions

Is Mesa or Omaha cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Omaha?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Omaha it's $1,150/month — a difference of $328/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Omaha?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $72,708 in Omaha. Median household income is $6,071/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Nebraska?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Omaha?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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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