Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Omaha, NE (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Omaha

Nebraska
80

New York is 86% more expensive than Omaha.

$1,779/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,150/mo ↓ 35%
$79,713/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$72,708/yr ↓ 9%
$751,700 ↑ 227%
Home Value
$230,100 ↓ 69%
$1,837/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,249/mo ↓ 32%
8,516,202
Population
488,197

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
6.64%
4.0%
Sales Tax
5.5%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Omaha, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $629/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $7,548/year.

Median household income is $7,005/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $230,100 in Omaha.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Omaha — common questions

Is New York or Omaha cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Omaha?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Omaha it's $1,150/month — a difference of $629/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Omaha?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $72,708 in Omaha. Median household income is $7,005/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Nebraska?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Omaha?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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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