Omaha vs Philadelphia: cost of living compared
Philadelphia is 32% more expensive than Omaha overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA 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 between Omaha and Philadelphia presents a significant shift in overall cost of living. Omaha is noticeably more affordable across the board, with its total expenses coming in well below the national average. Philadelphia, conversely, is more expensive than the national average. The most substantial difference driving this gap is housing, which is considerably cheaper in Omaha, making it a key factor in budgeting for either city.
Housing
Housing costs are dramatically different. Both median home prices and typical rent for a one-bedroom apartment are substantially lower in Omaha. Philadelphia's housing market is more expensive, though still below the national average for housing. Omaha offers a mix of housing types, from historic homes to newer developments, while Philadelphia features a dense urban core with rowhouses and apartments, alongside suburban-style homes in surrounding areas.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also vary considerably. Transportation costs are much higher in Philadelphia, while Omaha's are more modest. Food, healthcare, and utilities are all more expensive in Philadelphia compared to Omaha. However, Nebraska's state income tax rate is higher than Pennsylvania's, which could impact take-home pay, partially offsetting some of the daily spending differences.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are notable. Omaha generally offers a more relaxed pace, with a shorter average commute. Philadelphia is a denser, more historic East Coast city with a longer average commute, but also extensive public transit options. Omaha experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters and warm summers, while Philadelphia has a similar climate but with more coastal influence and a higher population density.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, Omaha generally offers a much more budget-friendly environment, primarily due to its significantly lower housing costs and more affordable daily expenses. While Philadelphia presents a higher cost of living, it offers a distinct urban experience with a different tax structure. The choice hinges on prioritizing either substantial savings on expenses or a more expensive, dense East Coast urban lifestyle.
| Measure | Omaha, NE | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 85 | 112 |
| Housing index | 67 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 80 | 120 |
| Food index | 88 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 90 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 92 | 105 |
| Misc index | 82 | 102 |
| Median home price | $238,000 | $298,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,000/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 22 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Philadelphia home with the True Cost Calculator.