Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Omaha is 61% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,150/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 98%
$72,708/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 93%
$230,100 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 276%
$1,249/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 93%
488,197
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,125/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $13,500/year.

Median household income is $67,452/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Arlington — common questions

Is Omaha or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Arlington?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $1,125/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Arlington?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $67,452/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Virginia?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View Arlington details →

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