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

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Omaha is 13% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,150/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 4%
$72,708/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 14%
$230,100 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 22%
$1,249/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 11%
488,197
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,988/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Abilene — common questions

Is Omaha or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Abilene?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Abilene?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $9,988/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Texas?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View Abilene details →

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