Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Omaha, NE (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Omaha

Nebraska
80

Seattle is 145% more expensive than Omaha.

$1,998/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,150/mo ↓ 42%
$121,984/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$72,708/yr ↓ 40%
$912,100 ↑ 296%
Home Value
$230,100 ↓ 75%
$2,220/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$1,249/mo ↓ 44%
741,440
Population
488,197

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.64%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Omaha, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $848/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $10,176/year.

Median household income is $49,276/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $230,100 in Omaha.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Omaha — common questions

Is Seattle or Omaha cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Omaha?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Omaha it's $1,150/month — a difference of $848/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Omaha?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $72,708 in Omaha. Median household income is $49,276/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Nebraska?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Omaha?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Omaha has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,150/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Omaha details →

More Comparisons

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