Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Omaha is 29% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,150/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 9%
$72,708/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 39%
$230,100 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 40%
$1,249/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 21%
488,197
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $103/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $1,236/year.

Median household income is $28,332/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Omaha or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Birmingham?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $103/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Birmingham?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $28,332/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Alabama?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

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