Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Omaha is 34% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,150/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 35%
$72,708/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 12%
$230,100 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 89%
$1,249/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 31%
488,197
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $402/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $4,824/year.

Median household income is $8,381/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Omaha or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $402/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $8,381/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Michigan?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View Ann Arbor details →

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