Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Omaha is 15% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $63,679 in Omaha.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · Nebraska salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while Omaha sits at 76 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $230,000 in Omaha, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $1,100 in Omaha.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Madison scores 101 while Omaha scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are higher than Omaha (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $59,612 in Omaha. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Omaha.
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