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

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Omaha is 37% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,150/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 67%
$72,708/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 28%
$230,100 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 72%
$1,249/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 27%
488,197
Population
149,519

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $767/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $9,204/year.

Median household income is $20,663/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Surprise — common questions

Is Omaha or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Surprise?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $767/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Surprise?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $20,663/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Omaha details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

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