Is Des Moines or Omaha more affordable?
Des Moines has a median rent of $1,000/month, while Omaha is $1,000/month. Both cities have similar rent costs.
City comparison
Des Moines, IA vs Omaha, NE
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Des Moines and Omaha.
1
Des Moines wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
3
Omaha wins
IA
Des Moines
vs
NE
Omaha
Overview
214,133
Population
486,051
$57,000
Median Income
+7.5%$61,272✓
Cost of Living
$1,000
Median Rent / mo
-0.0%$1,000
$220,000
Median Home Price
-2.3%$215,000✓
21%
Rent-to-Income %
20%
Taxes
3.90%✓
State Income Tax
6.84%
7.00%
Local Tax Rate
7.00%
Climate & Weather
62°F
Avg High Temp
62°F
41°F
Avg Low Temp
42°F
204 days
Sunny Days / Year
213 days✓
36"
Annual Rainfall
31"
Who should choose
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is a city in Iowa with a population of 214,133.
Read full Des Moines guide →Who should choose
Omaha, NE
Omaha is a city in Nebraska with a population of 486,051.
Read full Omaha guide →Des Moines vs Omaha — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Des Moines or Omaha?
Iowa has a 3.90% state income tax. Nebraska has a 6.84% state income tax. Des Moines wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Des Moines and Omaha?
Des Moines gets 204 sunny days/year. Omaha gets 213 sunny days/year. Avg high in Des Moines: 62°F. Avg high in Omaha: 62°F
Which city is better for families — Des Moines or Omaha?
Des Moines. Omaha. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.