Omaha vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 4% more expensive than Omaha overall. State income tax tops out around 4.95% in MO 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
Comparing Omaha and St. Louis reveals a modest difference in overall cost of living. While St. Louis is slightly more expensive on average, this is largely driven by higher transportation costs. Omaha generally offers a more affordable experience across most categories, including food, healthcare, and utilities, which helps balance out its slightly higher housing prices.
Housing
Housing costs present an interesting contrast. While the median home price is noticeably lower in St. Louis, making homeownership potentially more accessible there, median one-bedroom rents are roughly similar, with Omaha being slightly less. Both metros offer a mix of housing types, from historic brick homes to newer constructions, but St. Louis's housing index is a bit lower overall.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary between the two cities. Omaha generally boasts lower costs for groceries, healthcare, and utilities. A significant difference lies in transportation, which is considerably more expensive in St. Louis. Regarding state income tax, Missouri's top marginal rate is somewhat lower than Nebraska's, which could impact take-home pay for some residents.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Both cities offer distinct Midwestern lifestyles. Omaha is known for its generally flatter terrain and a more car-dependent transportation system, with a shorter average commute time. St. Louis, with its more varied topography and a more developed public transit network, has a slightly longer average commute. Both experience four distinct seasons, including cold winters and warm summers.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, Omaha generally presents a more budget-friendly option across many spending categories, especially transportation and everyday necessities. However, St. Louis offers a lower median home price and a slightly more favorable state income tax rate. The choice between them will depend on whether lower housing purchase costs and state taxes or overall lower daily expenses, including transportation, are a higher priority for a household budget.
| Measure | Omaha, NE | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 85 | 88 |
| Housing index | 67 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 80 | 95 |
| Food index | 88 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 90 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 92 | 95 |
| Misc index | 82 | 88 |
| Median home price | $238,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,000/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 22 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific St. Louis home with the True Cost Calculator.