Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Omaha is 30% cheaper than Raleigh.

$1,150/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↑ 28%
$72,708/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↑ 13%
$230,100 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$377,800 ↑ 64%
$1,249/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↑ 19%
488,197
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.5%
Sales Tax
4.75%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $9,716/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Omaha or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Raleigh?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Raleigh?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $9,716/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and North Carolina?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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