Omaha, NE vs West Des Moines, IA: Cost of Living Comparison
Omaha has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Omaha | West Des Moines | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 83 | 93 | Omaha |
| Housing | 66 ($805) | 82 ($836) | Omaha |
| Transportation | 101 ($3.50) | 98 ($3.50) | West Des Moines |
| Food & groceries | 97 ($398) | 114 ($467) | Omaha |
| Utilities | 83 ($119) | 91 ($148) | Omaha |
| Healthcare | 83 ($86) | 91 ($107) | Omaha |
| Median annual wage | 101 ($48,980) | 100 ($48,540) | West Des Moines |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Omaha, NE or West Des Moines, IA cheaper to live in?
Omaha, NE is cheaper overall by about 10 index points (Omaha, NE: 83, West Des Moines, IA: 93; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Omaha, NE vs West Des Moines, IA?
A single adult needs roughly $29,050/year in Omaha, NE and $32,550/year in West Des Moines, IA to cover basic living costs.