Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Omaha is 10% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $67,500 in Omaha.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Nebraska salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Omaha has a housing index of 76 while Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Omaha costs $230,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Omaha versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Omaha scores 97 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Omaha (96) are higher than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Omaha is $59,612 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Omaha.
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