Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Omaha is 4% more affordable than Rochester. A $75,000 salary in Rochester is equivalent to $71,809 in Omaha.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Nebraska salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Omaha has a housing index of 76 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Omaha costs $230,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Omaha versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Omaha scores 97 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Omaha (96) are lower than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Omaha is $59,612 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Omaha.
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