Boise vs Omaha: cost of living compared
Omaha is 17% cheaper than Boise overall.
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
Omaha presents a noticeably more affordable overall cost of living compared to Boise. The most significant factor driving this difference is housing, which is considerably less expensive in Omaha. While other categories like food and miscellaneous goods and services also contribute to Omaha's lower expenses, housing creates the largest gap in overall affordability between the two metros.
Housing
Housing costs, whether buying or renting, are substantially lower in Omaha than in Boise. The median home price in Omaha is much more accessible, and a one-bedroom rental also comes at a significantly reduced rate. This difference in housing expenses is a major consideration for anyone looking to relocate, impacting both initial investment and ongoing monthly budgets.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses show some variation. Omaha generally has lower costs for food and miscellaneous items, and healthcare is also somewhat more affordable. While utilities might be slightly higher in Omaha, transportation costs are roughly similar. A key difference for ongoing expenses is Nebraska's state income tax, which is a factor in Omaha, whereas Idaho's income tax situation is not provided.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Boise, nestled in a high desert climate, offers distinct seasons and proximity to mountainous recreation. Omaha, situated in the Midwest, experiences more extreme seasonal temperatures and is known for its flatter terrain. Both metros offer similar average commute times, suggesting a comparable pace for daily travel. Omaha tends to have a more spread-out feel compared to Boise's more concentrated urban core.
Bottom line
For households prioritizing budget, a move to Omaha from Boise would likely result in substantial savings, primarily due to the considerable difference in housing costs. While some other expenses are comparable or slightly higher in Omaha, the overall financial picture strongly favors the Midwestern city. Understanding the state income tax difference is also important for a complete financial assessment.
| Measure | Boise, ID | Omaha, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 85 |
| Housing index | 110 | 67 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 80 |
| Food index | 95 | 88 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 90 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 92 |
| Misc index | 90 | 82 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $238,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,000/mo |
| Average commute | 22 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.