Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Omaha is 13% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,150/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 14%
$72,708/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 21%
$230,100 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 25%
$1,249/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 7%
488,197
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.5%
Sales Tax
6.875%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $15,059/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Rochester — common questions

Is Omaha or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Rochester?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Rochester?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $15,059/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Minnesota?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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