Moving from Des Moines to Omaha (2026)
Omaha has a COL index of 87 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 0% more for the same lifestyle.
Pay ~$4 more/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8787
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200$1,200
per month
State tax
5.7%5.8%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,384$4,378
per month
Salary needed in Omaha to match your Des Moines lifestyle
Based on the 0% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Des Moines | Equivalent in Omaha |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,000 |
| $50K | $50,000 |
| $60K | $60,000 |
| $75K | $75,000 |
| $80K | $80,000 |
| $100K | $100,000 |
| $120K | $120,000 |
| $150K | $150,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Des Moines vs Omaha
| Expense | Des Moines | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,384 | $4,378 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $365 | $361 |
| Transport | $50 | $50 |
| Utilities | $155 | $155 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,554 | $2,552 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Omaha cheaper than Des Moines?
No. Omaha has a cost of living index of 87 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). That's about 0% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Des Moines to Omaha?
On a $75K salary, moving from Des Moines to Omaha could save roughly $4/month on core expenses. That's ~$48/year.
What salary do I need in Omaha to match my Des Moines lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Des Moines, you'd need roughly $75,000/year in Omaha. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Omaha to Des MoinesDes Moines vs Omaha — full comparisonDes Moines cost of livingOmaha cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only