Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Omaha and Allentown have a similar cost of living.

$1,150/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 10%
$72,708/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 27%
$230,100 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 18%
$1,249/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ≈ Same
488,197
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $19,305/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Allentown — common questions

Is Omaha or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Allentown?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Allentown?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $19,305/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Pennsylvania?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View Allentown details →

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