Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
44% cheaper
Omaha is 44% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $42,188 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Omaha has a housing index of 76 while San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Omaha costs $230,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $570,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Omaha versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Omaha scores 97 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Omaha (96) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Omaha is $59,612 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Omaha.
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