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

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Omaha is 68% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,150/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 85%
$72,708/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 49%
$230,100 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 487%
$1,249/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 87%
488,197
Population
120,223

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $977/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $11,724/year.

Median household income is $35,850/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Omaha or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Berkeley?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $977/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Berkeley?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $35,850/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View Berkeley details →

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