Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Omaha is 52% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,150/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 66%
$72,708/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 48%
$230,100 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 209%
$1,249/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 46%
488,197
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $760/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $9,120/year.

Median household income is $34,664/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Omaha or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $760/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $34,664/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Arizona?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Omaha and Scottsdale

Omaha vs. Atlanta Omaha vs. Colorado Springs Omaha vs. Mesa Omaha vs. Raleigh Omaha vs. Kansas City Omaha vs. Long Beach Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk