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

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Downey

California
169

Omaha is 53% cheaper than Downey.

$1,150/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 65%
$72,708/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 20%
$230,100 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 217%
$1,249/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 60%
488,197
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $742/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $8,904/year.

Median household income is $14,692/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Downey — common questions

Is Omaha or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Downey?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $742/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Downey?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $14,692/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Omaha and Downey

Omaha vs. Atlanta Omaha vs. Colorado Springs Omaha vs. Mesa Omaha vs. Raleigh Omaha vs. Kansas City Omaha vs. Long Beach Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens