Every year, thousands of Americans weigh Omaha against Des Moines. Here's what they should know: Des Moines is 1% cheaper overall, but Omaha has its own cost advantages in specific categories. We've broken down the comparison across all 38 cost categories we track — with a verdict for different types of movers at the bottom.
Overall Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Omaha | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | B+ | B+ | Tie |
| Housing | A | A | Tie |
| Food | A | B+ | Tie |
| Healthcare | A | A | Tie |
| Transportation | B+ | B+ | Tie |
| Utilities | B | B | Tie |
Rent, Food, and Utility Differences
Housing
Housing costs are primarily driven by local real estate markets and land values.
Food & Groceries
Food & Groceries costs are primarily driven by local supply chains and regional agriculture.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs are primarily driven by local provider networks and state regulations.
Transportation
Transportation costs are primarily driven by local public transit availability and fuel costs.
Utilities
Utilities costs are primarily driven by local energy sources and climate demands.
Services
Services costs are primarily driven by local labor markets and demand density.
Key Cost Comparisons
Cost of Living
Home Services
Business Startup Costs
Insurance
Legal Services
Salaries & Jobs
Which City Gives You More Buying Power?
The "better" city depends on your situation. Here's how different profiles stack up:
Remote Worker
→ Des MoinesIf your salary doesn't depend on location, Des Moines's 1% lower costs translate directly into more savings or disposable income. Your paycheck goes further without a pay cut.
Young Professional
→ Des MoinesBoth cities are moderately priced, but Des Moines's lower costs help you build savings earlier in your career when compound growth matters most.
Family with Kids
→ Des MoinesFamilies face multiplied costs — housing, groceries, healthcare, and transportation all scale with household size. Des Moines's 1% advantage compounds across every budget category.
Small Business Owner
→ Des MoinesLower operating costs in Des Moines mean lower break-even points. Rent, utilities, insurance, and labor all come in cheaper, giving new businesses more runway to reach profitability.
Retiree
→ Des MoinesOn a fixed income, every percentage point matters. Des Moines's lower healthcare, housing, and everyday costs help retirement savings last longer.
Salary Equivalent Between Cities
Des Moines wins 26 out of 38 cost categories.Omaha has higher costs but wins 12 categories.
Explore Each City
Explore Specific Costs
Dive deeper into specific cost topics for each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I move from Omaha to Des Moines?
If your income stays the same or comparable, moving from Omaha to Des Moines gives you 1% more purchasing power. That said, the decision depends on career opportunities, family ties, lifestyle preferences, and which specific costs matter most to your household. Review the category breakdown above to see which line items shift the most.
How do housing costs compare between Omaha and Des Moines?
Housing is typically the biggest cost difference between these cities. Omaha (index: 90) and Des Moines (index: 89) differ by 1% overall, with housing costs often diverging even more than the average. Check the Cost of Living section above for specific figures.
Is Omaha or Des Moines more affordable in 2026?
Des Moines is 1% more affordable than Omaha overall. Des Moines wins 26 out of 38 cost categories. However, Omaha may offer higher salaries in certain industries that can offset higher living costs.
What is the cost of living index for Omaha vs Des Moines?
Omaha's cost of living index is 90; Des Moines's is 89. A score of 100 represents the national average. Omaha is below average; Des Moines is below average. These figures are derived from BLS and Census data.
About This Comparison
Limitations: This comparison uses modeled data based on cost-of-living indices. Actual costs may vary based on neighborhood, timing, provider, and individual circumstances. Salary data reflects median full-time employment; contract and freelance rates differ. Last updated: March 2026.