Atlanta vs Omaha: cost of living compared
Omaha is 21% cheaper than Atlanta overall. State income tax tops out around 5.49% in GA vs 5.84% in NE.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from Atlanta to Omaha generally means a substantial reduction in overall living expenses. The most significant difference stems from housing costs, which are noticeably higher in Atlanta. Other categories like transportation, food, and healthcare also contribute to Atlanta's higher cost burden, making Omaha a much more budget-friendly option across the board.
Housing
Housing costs present a stark contrast between the two metros. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are considerably more expensive in Atlanta. Omaha offers a much lower median home price and more affordable rental rates for a typical one-bedroom. While property taxes and insurance vary, the initial purchase and monthly housing payments are substantially lower in Omaha.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, groceries, and healthcare are all more elevated in Atlanta compared to Omaha. While Nebraska's state income tax rate is slightly higher than Georgia's, this difference is often offset by the lower costs for most other goods and services in Omaha, including utilities and miscellaneous expenses, leading to more affordable daily spending.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Atlanta offers a large, bustling urban environment with a humid subtropical climate and a longer average commute time, often characterized by significant traffic. Omaha, in contrast, provides a more temperate climate with distinct seasons, a generally more relaxed pace, and a shorter average commute, suggesting a less dense and more easily navigable urban experience.
Bottom line
For households considering a move between these two metros, the financial implications are clear. A move to Omaha typically translates to a much more affordable lifestyle, primarily driven by significantly lower housing costs. While income tax rates are roughly similar, the substantial savings in housing, transportation, and other daily expenses in Omaha could lead to a much more favorable household budget compared to Atlanta.
| Measure | Atlanta, GA | Omaha, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 85 |
| Housing index | 105 | 67 |
| Transportation index | 116 | 80 |
| Food index | 98 | 88 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 90 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 92 |
| Misc index | 98 | 82 |
| Median home price | $378,000 | $238,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,000/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 22 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Omaha home with the True Cost Calculator.