Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Omaha is 12% cheaper than St. Paul.

$1,150/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↑ 9%
$72,708/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$73,055/yr ≈ Same
$230,100 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$280,300 ↑ 22%
$1,249/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↑ 11%
488,197
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $347/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Omaha or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and St. Paul?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or St. Paul?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $347/year higher in St. Paul.
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 St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,248/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View St. Paul details →

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