Austin vs Omaha: cost of living compared
Omaha is 28% cheaper than Austin overall. Austin (TX) has no state income tax; NE tops out around 5.84%.
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
Comparing Austin and Omaha reveals a substantial difference in overall cost of living. Austin is considerably more expensive than the national average, while Omaha offers a much more affordable lifestyle, falling well below the national benchmark. This significant gap is primarily driven by housing costs, which are dramatically higher in Austin, making it the biggest factor in the overall expense disparity between the two cities.
Housing
Housing in Austin is substantially more expensive, whether buying a home or renting an apartment, with prices significantly exceeding those in Omaha. Omaha's housing market is notably more affordable, offering lower median home prices and more modest rental costs. This difference is a major consideration for anyone looking to establish roots, as the cost of shelter alone presents a stark contrast between the two metros.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all more costly in Austin compared to Omaha. Additionally, Nebraska has a state income tax, which is absent in Texas, further impacting take-home pay for Omaha residents. This means that nearly every aspect of routine spending, from groceries to getting around, will require a larger budget in Austin than in Omaha.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move involves lifestyle shifts. Austin offers a warm, humid subtropical climate with hot summers, while Omaha experiences a humid continental climate with distinct seasons, including cold winters. Austin generally has a longer average commute time and a more spread-out urban character. Omaha typically features shorter commutes and a somewhat slower pace, with a different feel for daily navigation.
Bottom line
For households considering a move between these two metros, the financial impact is clear. Austin presents a significantly higher cost of living across the board, predominantly due to its much more expensive housing market. Omaha, by contrast, offers a substantially more budget-friendly environment, with lower costs for housing and everyday necessities, making it a more economical choice for daily expenses and long-term financial planning.
| Measure | Austin, TX | Omaha, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 85 |
| Housing index | 132 | 67 |
| Transportation index | 109 | 80 |
| Food index | 102 | 88 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 90 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 92 |
| Misc index | 102 | 82 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $238,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,750/mo | $1,000/mo |
| Average commute | 30 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.