Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Cary, NC (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Omaha is 41% cheaper than Cary.

$1,150/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 41%
$72,708/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 78%
$230,100 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 128%
$1,249/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 40%
488,197
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $471/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $5,652/year.

Median household income is $56,691/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Cary — common questions

Is Omaha or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Cary?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $471/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Cary?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $56,691/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and North Carolina?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View Cary details →

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