Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Omaha and Columbia have a similar cost of living.

$1,150/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ≈ Same
$72,708/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 23%
$230,100 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 6%
$1,249/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 6%
488,197
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,055/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Columbia — common questions

Is Omaha or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Columbia?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Columbia?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $17,055/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and South Carolina?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View Columbia details →

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