Ames, IA vs Omaha, NE: Cost of Living Comparison
Omaha has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Ames | Omaha | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 85 | 83 | Omaha |
| Housing | 76 ($728) | 66 ($805) | Omaha |
| Transportation | 106 ($3.50) | 101 ($3.50) | Omaha |
| Food & groceries | 80 ($328) | 97 ($398) | Ames |
| Utilities | 88 ($137) | 83 ($119) | Omaha |
| Healthcare | 88 ($99) | 83 ($86) | Omaha |
| Median annual wage | 100 ($48,540) | 101 ($48,980) | Ames |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ames, IA or Omaha, NE cheaper to live in?
Omaha, NE is cheaper overall by about 2 index points (Ames, IA: 85, Omaha, NE: 83; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Ames, IA vs Omaha, NE?
A single adult needs roughly $29,750/year in Ames, IA and $29,050/year in Omaha, NE to cover basic living costs.