Is Detroit, MI cheaper than Omaha, NE?

Based on cost of living data, Detroit, MI is 3.3% cheaper than Omaha, NE. This translates to saving $247 per month.

What salary do I need in Detroit, MI to live like I do in Omaha, NE?

If you earn $150,000 in Omaha, NE, you'd need approximately $147,032.967 in Detroit, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Omaha, NE and Detroit, MI?

Housing in Detroit, MI is 25.9% cheaper than in Omaha, NE. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,225/month in Detroit, MI compared to $1,450/month in Omaha, NE.

How much can I save per month by moving from Omaha, NE to Detroit, MI?

Moving from Omaha, NE to Detroit, MI could save you approximately $247 per month, or $2967 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Omaha, NE vs Detroit, MI: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Omaha, NE

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $247/month moving to Detroit, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.0K in Detroit, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA area

Overall Cost

↓ 3.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$247

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Omaha, NE

Population:486K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$282K

Detroit, MI

Population:639K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$86K

Omaha, NE

The Cornhusker State

486K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Nebraska, this city has a population of 486K residents.

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 639K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Omaha, NE vs Detroit, MI

Category	Omaha, NE	Detroit, MI	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,105/mo	$1,559/mo	↓ $546less	25.9%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $328more	26.4%
Healthcare	$682/mo	$564/mo	↓ $118less	17.3%
All Utilities	$470/mo	$557/mo	↑ $87.43more	18.6%
Other	$1,624/mo	$1,674/mo	↑ $50.22more	3.1%
Groceries	$949/mo	$949/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 25.9%

Omaha, NE

$2,105

Detroit, MI

$1,559

Difference

$546

less

Transportation

↑ 26.4%

Omaha, NE

$1,243

Detroit, MI

$1,571

Difference

$328

Healthcare

↓ 17.3%

Omaha, NE

$682

Detroit, MI

$564

Difference

$118

less

All Utilities

↑ 18.6%

Omaha, NE

$470

Detroit, MI

$557

Difference

$87.43

Other

↑ 3.1%

Omaha, NE

$1,624

Detroit, MI

$1,674

Difference

$50.22

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Omaha, NE

$949

Detroit, MI

$949

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Detroit, MI: Detroit City Income Tax$3,600/yr (2.4%)

Omaha, NE has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,160

To$875

↓ $285

1 Bed

From$1,220

To$975

↓ $245

2 Bed

From$1,450

To$1,225

↓ $225

3 Bed

From$1,920

To$1,495

↓ $425

Omaha, NEZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,720/mo

Detroit, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,690/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,073

Monthly in Omaha, NE

$6,875

Monthly in Detroit, MI

$198

Difference

Home Values

Omaha

Detroit

$282K

Median Value

$86K

↑ +1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.3%

↑ +31.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +15.3%

$129K - $441K

Price Range

$48K - $415K

Homes in Detroit are 70% less expensive than Omaha

Calculate payment - Omaha Calculate payment - Detroit

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$247

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

Rate difference

Omaha, NE

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Nebraska State Tax

Effective: 6.2%

$9.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.9%

$46.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,638/month

$103.7K

Detroit, MI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Michigan State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.9%

$43.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,884/month

$106.6K

Additional Tax Information

Omaha, NE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.8%

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.