Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Omaha is 3% more affordable than Columbus. A $75,000 salary in Columbus is equivalent to $72,581 in Omaha.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Nebraska salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Omaha sits at 76 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $230,000 in Omaha, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,100 in Omaha.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Omaha scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) match Omaha (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $59,612 in Omaha. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Omaha.
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