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

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Omaha is 51% cheaper than Santa Ana.

$1,150/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 72%
$72,708/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↑ 22%
$230,100 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$657,800 ↑ 186%
$1,249/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↑ 57%
488,197
Population
311,639

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $825/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $9,900/year.

Median household income is $15,646/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Omaha or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $825/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $15,646/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,975/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View Santa Ana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Omaha and Santa Ana

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