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

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Modesto

California
120

Omaha is 33% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,150/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 40%
$72,708/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 7%
$230,100 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 81%
$1,249/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 29%
488,197
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $459/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $5,508/year.

Median household income is $5,191/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Modesto — common questions

Is Omaha or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Modesto?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $459/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Modesto?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $5,191/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Omaha and Modesto

Omaha vs. Atlanta Omaha vs. Colorado Springs Omaha vs. Mesa Omaha vs. Raleigh Omaha vs. Kansas City Omaha vs. Long Beach Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley