Omaha vs Seattle: cost of living compared
Seattle is 82% more expensive than Omaha overall. Seattle (WA) 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
Moving from Seattle to Omaha would mean a substantial reduction in overall living expenses. Omaha's cost of living is noticeably lower across nearly all categories when compared to Seattle. The most significant difference, and the primary driver of the overall cost disparity, is housing. While other expenses like transportation, food, and healthcare are also more affordable in Omaha, the gap in housing costs is by far the most impactful.
Housing
Housing costs present a dramatic contrast between these two metros. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are considerably more expensive in Seattle. Omaha offers a much more accessible housing market, with median home prices and typical rents for a one-bedroom unit being substantially lower. This difference is a major factor for anyone considering a move, offering significant savings on monthly housing outlays in Omaha.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also vary considerably. Seattle residents face higher costs for groceries, healthcare, and utilities compared to Omaha. Transportation is also more expensive in Seattle, and commutes tend to be longer. Furthermore, Washington State does not levy a state income tax, which is a notable difference from Nebraska, where residents pay state income tax. This can impact take-home pay and overall budget planning.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the metros offer distinct lifestyles. Seattle is known for its mild, wet climate and proximity to mountains and the Pacific coast, with a more urban and dense feel. Public transit options are more developed, though commutes can still be lengthy. Omaha, in contrast, experiences more distinct seasons, including colder winters and warmer summers, and generally offers a more spread-out, Midwestern pace of life with shorter average commute times.
Bottom line
A move from Seattle to Omaha would result in a substantial financial advantage, primarily due to the vast difference in housing costs. While the absence of state income tax in Washington is a benefit, it is generally outweighed by Seattle's significantly higher expenses across all other categories. For those prioritizing a lower cost of living and a more affordable housing market, Omaha presents a compelling option for a much more budget-friendly lifestyle.
| Measure | Omaha, NE | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 85 | 155 |
| Housing index | 67 | 192 |
| Transportation index | 80 | 123 |
| Food index | 88 | 112 |
| Healthcare index | 90 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 92 | 105 |
| Misc index | 82 | 118 |
| Median home price | $238,000 | $748,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,000/mo | $2,350/mo |
| Average commute | 22 min | 33 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Seattle home with the True Cost Calculator.