Quick answer
Omaha costs $355/month less overall ($1,525 vs $1,880/mo). Omaha also has lower state income tax (Up to 5.84% vs 7.65%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Madison vs Omaha
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Madison vs Omaha at a Glance
| Metric | Madison | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,380 | $1,320 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,720 | $1,320 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $370K | $250K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $145 ✓ | $145 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $355 | $330 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,880 | $1,525 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 63/100 ✓ | 39/100 |
| Transit Score | 46/100 ✓ | 28/100 |
| State Income Tax | 7.65% | Up to 5.84% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Omaha's 1BR averages $1,050/month vs $1,380 in Madison — a $330/month difference, or $3,960/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Omaha charges Up to 5.84% state income tax vs 7.65% in Madison. On an $80K salary that's a $1,448/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $9,180 vs $7,008 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Omaha are $250K vs $370K in Madison. At a 20% down payment, that's a $24,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Utilities are essentially equal between both cities at $145/month.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Madison, WI
Madison's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Omaha, NE
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Omaha. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Madison
Four seasons; brutal winters (lakes freeze solid for skating), warm summers, beautiful fall; 189 sunny days
Omaha
Four seasons; hot humid summers, cold winters (-10°F possible), severe spring thunderstorm season
Job Market
Madison top industries
Omaha top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Madison if…
- →You're a researchers / academics
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a outdoor / lake lifestyle seekers
- →You're a progressive culture seekers
Move to Omaha if…
- →You're a finance / insurance workers
- →You're a remote workers
- →You're a families
- →You're a value-seekers
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Omaha cheaper to live in?
Omaha is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,525 in Omaha vs $1,880 in Madison — a $355/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Madison or Omaha?
Madison is more walkable with a Walk Score of 63/100 vs 39/100. Omaha is more car-dependent.
Madison vs Omaha: which has lower state income tax?
Omaha has lower state income tax (Up to 5.84%). On an $80K salary, that saves $1,448/year vs Madison (7.65%).
Is Madison or Omaha better for buying a home?
Omaha has lower median home prices at $250K vs $370K in Madison — a $120,000 difference on the median home.