Baltimore vs Omaha: cost of living compared
Omaha is 28% cheaper than Baltimore overall. State income tax tops out around 4.75% in MD 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 Baltimore to Omaha generally means a substantial reduction in overall living expenses. The cost of living in Baltimore is noticeably higher than the national average, while Omaha offers a considerably more affordable environment. This significant difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which are much more expensive in Baltimore, though nearly all spending categories contribute to the gap.
Housing
Housing presents the most dramatic cost difference. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are considerably more expensive in Baltimore. While Baltimore offers a mix of historic rowhouses and newer developments, Omaha typically features a more suburban housing stock with lower property values. Property taxes and insurance costs will also reflect these underlying value differences, making homeownership more accessible in Omaha.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all notably higher in Baltimore. While Maryland's state income tax is somewhat lower than Nebraska's, this difference is often outweighed by the higher costs across most other spending categories. Commuting times are also generally longer in Baltimore, potentially adding to daily transportation expenses and time commitments.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Baltimore, a historic East Coast port city, offers a denser urban experience with more public transit options and a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Omaha, a Midwestern city, typically provides a more spread-out, car-dependent lifestyle with a continental climate featuring hot summers and cold winters. The pace of life and urban density are generally greater in Baltimore compared to Omaha.
Bottom line
For households considering a move between these two metros, the financial implications are significant. A move to Omaha would likely result in a substantial reduction in overall monthly expenses, particularly in housing, allowing for greater financial flexibility. Conversely, moving to Baltimore would entail a noticeable increase in nearly all spending categories, requiring careful budget adjustments.
| Measure | Baltimore, MD | Omaha, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 85 |
| Housing index | 100 | 67 |
| Transportation index | 118 | 80 |
| Food index | 105 | 88 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 90 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 92 |
| Misc index | 105 | 82 |
| Median home price | $348,000 | $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.