Thinking of planting roots in the Midwest? Omaha, Nebraska might be on your radar, and with good reason. It’s affordable, family-friendly, and steadily growing. But before you pack your bags and head to the Cornhusker State, let’s talk about the numbers. What’s the actual cost of living in Omaha Nebraska in 2025? How much should you expect to spend on housing, utilities, groceries, and more?
This guide breaks it all down so you can make an informed decision, whether you're moving for a new job, a better quality of life, or simply a fresh start.
Why People Are Moving to Omaha
Omaha isn’t flashy, but it has a lot going for it, low unemployment, a reasonable housing market, and a strong sense of community. With a population of around 500,000 and a metro area that tops 900,000, it’s big enough to offer amenities but small enough to feel personal.
You won’t deal with the traffic of Chicago or the price tag of Denver. Instead, you’ll find a manageable lifestyle with real opportunities, and a lower-than-average cost of living.
Cost of Living in Omaha Nebraska
Let’s get into the numbers. According to recent data from BestPlaces.net, the cost of living in Omaha Nebraska, is roughly 11% lower than the U.S. national average. That’s a big deal, especially for families or young professionals looking to get more bang for their buck.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
Omaha cost of living index: 89 (U.S. average is 100)
Housing index: 75
Utilities index: 92
Transportation index: 93
Grocery index: 97
Health index: 98
Translation? Your money goes further here. Now let’s break it down by category.
Housing Costs in Omaha
Housing is where Omaha really shines. Whether you're renting or buying, you’ll notice how much more affordable it is compared to most mid-size cities.
Rent Prices
One-bedroom apartment in downtown Omaha: ~$1,050/month
One-bedroom outside downtown: ~$850/month
Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: ~$1,800/month
Three-bedroom in suburban areas: ~$1,400/month
Home Prices
As of 2025, the median home price in Omaha is around $260,000. In comparison, the U.S. median sits closer to $430,000. That’s nearly 40% less, giving new homeowners a massive advantage when building equity.
If you’re ready to make the move, it’s wise to reach out to professional movers in Omaha Nebraska who can help make your transition smoother and stress-free.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utilities are fairly in line with national averages. Expect your monthly bills to look something like this:
Electricity and heating: $110–$160/month
Water, garbage, and sewer: $50–$80/month
Internet (60 Mbps or more): $60–$75/month
Nebraska winters can be cold and snowy, so your heating bill will spike a bit from December to February. Still, energy prices remain reasonable overall.
Food and Grocery Prices
Omaha doesn’t have inflated grocery prices like major metro areas. While food prices nationwide have crept up post-pandemic, Omaha still offers solid value.
Average grocery costs for a family of four:
Milk (1 gallon): $3.40
Bread (1 loaf): $2.60
Dozen eggs: $2.80
Chicken breast (1 lb): $4.10
Rice (1 lb): $1.30
Monthly grocery bill for 1 person: $300–$400
Monthly bill for a family of four: $800–$1,000
Bonus? Omaha has several farmer’s markets where you can buy local produce and meats at great prices.
Transportation and Gas
While Omaha doesn’t have a world-class public transit system, the Omaha Metro bus line covers most major routes. Many residents still prefer driving, and thankfully, the city’s layout and road system make commuting simple.
Average gas price (2025): $3.20/gallon
Monthly car insurance premium: $90–$120
Bus fare: $1.25 one-way
Monthly transit pass: $55
Daily traffic isn’t terrible, especially compared to larger metro areas. Most commutes clock in at about 20 to 25 minutes.
Healthcare and Medical Expenses
The cost of healthcare in Omaha is slightly below the national average. Access to hospitals and clinics is excellent, especially with facilities like CHI Health and Nebraska Medicine in the area.
Here’s what you can expect:
Doctor visit (without insurance): $110
Dentist visit: $100
Prescription antibiotics: $15–$25
Monthly health insurance premium (individual): $400–$600
Monthly premium for a family: $1,000–$1,400
Many employers in Omaha offer solid healthcare packages, which can offset some of these costs.
Childcare and Education Costs
For families moving to Omaha, education is a key factor. The city has a mix of public, private, and charter schools. Omaha Public Schools (OPS) is the largest district and has several well-ranked schools.
Childcare Costs
Daycare (full-time, infant): $1,000–$1,200/month
Preschool (private): $700–$1,000/month
Babysitter or nanny: $15–$20/hour
Higher Education
Omaha is home to institutions like Creighton University, University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), and Metropolitan Community College. In-state tuition is a major perk for Nebraska residents, averaging:
UNO Tuition (in-state): ~$9,000/year
Creighton University (private): ~$45,000/year
Community College: ~$3,500/year
Entertainment and Leisure
Just because you’re saving money in Omaha doesn’t mean you’ll be bored. The city has a thriving arts scene, sports culture, and plenty of parks and events.
Movie ticket: $12
Monthly gym membership: $40–$60
Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: $60–$75
Zoo admission (Henry Doorly Zoo): $25 adults / $17 kids
Local events/festivals: Free to $25 entry
And don’t forget: Omaha is home to the College World Series, plus a variety of breweries, food halls, and live music venues.
Taxes in Omaha
One reason Omaha remains affordable? Reasonable taxes.
State Income Tax: 4.55% to 6.64%
Sales Tax (Omaha): 7% (State 5.5% + Local 1.5%)
Property Tax: High relative to the national average, roughly 1.6% of home value
Property taxes can add up, so be sure to factor them into your mortgage payment or rent budget. But the absence of a local income tax and other deductions helps keep the scales balanced.
Omaha Job Market and Average Salaries
Omaha has a healthy job market driven by finance, insurance, healthcare, education, and logistics. Companies like Union Pacific, Mutual of Omaha, First National Bank, and CHI Health all call the city home.
Average household income: ~$70,000/year
Median individual income: ~$38,000/year
Top professions: Nursing, financial analysts, educators, logistics, and software developers
Unemployment remains below the national average, and opportunities continue to expand, especially in the tech and service sectors.
Is Omaha a Good Value?
In short: Yes. The cost of living in Omaha Nebraska remains one of its biggest selling points. You can rent or buy without breaking the bank, raise a family with access to great schools, and enjoy a slower pace without sacrificing amenities.
It’s especially ideal for:
First-time homebuyers
Young professionals
Growing families
Retirees seeking affordability
If you're relocating soon, it's smart to connect with local movers in Omaha Nebraska who know the area and can help streamline the process.
Tips to Save Even More in Omaha
Want to stretch your budget even further? Try these local tips:
Buy a home instead of renting, you’ll build equity faster in Omaha.
Shop at local farmer’s markets for cheaper produce.
Use city park programs and public libraries for free entertainment.
Avoid winter peak heating costs with good insulation or energy-efficient upgrades.
Bundle auto and home insurance with local providers for discounts.
Every dollar saved counts, and in Omaha, you’ll feel like your dollars go a little further anyway.
Is Omaha Worth It?
If you're looking for a city where you can actually live comfortably on a middle-class income, Omaha delivers. With solid schools, stable employment, and low housing costs, it’s no wonder so many people are heading to the Heartland.
The cost of living in Omaha Nebraska is one of the city’s greatest strengths, offering a balance between affordability and livability that’s getting harder to find in other urban areas. Whether you’re relocating from across the state or from another coast entirely, make sure you work with trusted movers in Omaha Nebraska who understand the logistics of moving into this gem of a city. Hire top-rated movers in Omaha, NE, to get a free quote, expert advice, and peace of mind as you transition to your new home in the Midwest.
Whether you’re relocating across town or preparing for a long-distance transition, we take the stress out of the process with professional crews, affordable pricing, and personalized support. We are a go-to choice for dependable service and peace of mind. So, happy moving!
