Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Omaha is 23% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,150/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↑ 19%
$72,708/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 6%
$230,100 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$347,300 ↑ 51%
$1,249/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 23%
488,197
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $221/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $2,652/year.

Median household income is $4,689/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Omaha or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $221/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $4,689/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and California?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,371/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View Bakersfield details →

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