Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Omaha and Lexington have a similar cost of living.

$1,150/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 4%
$72,708/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↓ 7%
$230,100 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$272,100 ↑ 18%
$1,249/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 7%
488,197
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,077/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Lexington — common questions

Is Omaha or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Lexington?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Lexington?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $5,077/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Kentucky?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Lexington has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View Lexington details →

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