Omaha, NE vs Des Moines, IA: 80 vs 70

$1,150/mo ↑ 9%

Median Rent

$1,054/mo ↓ 8%

$72,708/yr ↑ 14%

Median Income

$63,966/yr ↓ 12%

$230,100 ↑ 25%

Home Value

$183,700 ↓ 20%

$1,249/mo ↑ 10%

Owner Costs

$1,137/mo ↓ 9%

488,197

Population

212,464

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $8,742/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Omaha or Des Moines cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 80 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Omaha and Des Moines?

Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $96/month.

Which city has higher income, Omaha or Des Moines?

Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $8,742/year higher in Omaha.

How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Iowa?

Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.

Should I move to Omaha or Des Moines?

It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Omaha

Des Moines

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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