Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Omaha is 15% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe 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: Nebraska salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Omaha has a housing index of 76 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Omaha costs $230,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Omaha versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Omaha scores 97 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Omaha (96) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Omaha is $59,612 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Omaha.
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