Living in Omaha, NE
Explore Things to Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• Livability Partner
• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Omaha, NE? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Omaha, NE

Oh boy, life isn’t much better than living in Omaha, NE! Situated on the Missouri River, the city is perfect for families looking for great schools and quality health care and for young professionals who crave a low cost of living, a strong economy and ample job opportunities. Some 45,000 companies, including many Fortune 500s and Fortune 100s, are based here. 

As one of the best places to live, Omaha is at the top of its game when it comes to health care, with the well-respected University of Nebraska Medical Center and companies specializing in medical technology. In addition, there are both startups and established firms in the financial services, agribusiness and defense sectors.

Three parks connect in the popular RiverFront area, combining exciting places to gather and play with walking trails, a skating area, an amphitheater, community programming and a whole lot more. Another cool attraction is the Kiewit Luminarium, which wows guests with its state-of-the-art focus on science, art and human perception. And, not to be forgotten, one of the best zoos in the world(!) has been a part of life here since 1995.

Just over 491,000 people call Omaha home, and residents can enjoy the city’s connectivity – its central location provides easy access to move about the rest of the country. The city also boasts an innovative culinary scene, vibrant live music venues, hip craft breweries, a full calendar of events and an authenticity that stays true to the city’s Midwestern roots.

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Top Reasons to Move to Omaha

• Omaha is an economic engine and a massive Fortune 500 powerhouse, serving as the world headquarters for companies like Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific and Mutual of Omaha.
• Omaha is affordable, offering a cost of living below the national average and a housing market that remains one of the most accessible in the country.
• Every June, Omaha becomes the College World Series Capital, hosting the NCAA Men’s College World Series.
• Omaha is family-friendly with tons of kid-approved amenities like the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. 

Omaha is a bustling city in eastern Nebraska, set along the Missouri River, which forms the border with Iowa. It’s accessible via Interstate 80 and Interstate 29, keeping it well-connected. The nearest airport, Eppley Airfield, is right in the city, making travel a breeze. When you’re ready to venture out, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Lincoln is just 55 miles southwest, where you can visit the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or the Sunken Gardens.
• Kansas City, MO, sits 185 miles southeast, famous for the Country Club Plaza and the National World War I Museum.
• Des Moines, IA, is about 140 miles east, home to the Iowa State Fair and the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

Residents enjoy a humid continental climate with four highly distinct seasons, featuring hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The city is known for its wide temperature swings and significant seasonal variations, though it boasts a high percentage of sunny days and clear skies throughout the transitional months.

Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska and serves as a major economic hub for the Midwest. As a result, its economy is rooted in several industries, including health care, finance and insurance and trade, transportation and utilities. The city is known as “Silicon Prairie,” and it’s home to several young tech startups and more than half a dozen Fortune 100 companies, including Berkshire Hathaway, Mutual of Omaha and Union Pacific Railroad. Additionally, the city is seeing a lot of growth.

The cost of living in Omaha is below the national average. The median home value in Omaha is $261,663, and the average household income is $74,651.

There is a state income tax in Nebraska. In 2026, the combined sales tax rate in Omaha is 7.0%.

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There are so many cool things that people don’t know about Omaha. Since 1950, Omaha has hosted the College World Series every summer. Eight college teams from across the country aspire to travel along the “Road to Omaha.” While you’re in town for the College World Series, be sure to stop by Rocco’s Pizza and Cantina to participate in their annual Jell-O shot challenge.

Residents know you should only move here if you’re ready to have a lot going on. Families and young professionals have a lot to explore with top-notch attractions like the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Joslyn Art Museum, which showcase impressive art collections and natural wonders. Families love the Omaha Children’s Museum and the Kiewit Luminarium, while history buffs dig the Durham Museum, housed in a restored Union Station. Old Market is a cool spot for shopping and eating, with unique shops and the Omaha Farmers Market. Plus, there is a long list of restaurants you need to try.

The arts scene is music to our ears, particularly when it relates to indie rock, with venues like Steelhouse Omaha and Slowdown hosting live performances. Neighborhoods like the Blackstone District are lively, and the Old Market is always buzzing. Residents can also catch shows at the Orpheum Theater and Holland Performing Arts Center, and there are community events all year.

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Outdoor activities abound, with an extensive park system and scenic riverfront. The city’s parks, such as Elmwood Park and Hanscom Park, provide ample green spaces for hiking, picnicking and leisurely strolls, making them popular destinations for residents seeking outdoor recreation. The Gene Leahy Mall at the Riverfront is a revitalized urban park with giant porch swings, hammocks, a sculpture garden and playgrounds, all set against the backdrop of the Missouri River.

The Riverfront itself is a big draw for people living in Omaha, with walking and biking trails along the Missouri River and views from Lewis and Clark Landing. Residents can enjoy both active pursuits and relaxing moments amidst Omaha’s natural beauty.

Take a bite out of Omaha’s food scene, with classic Midwestern fare, innovative experiences and a growing craft beverage culture. Let’s get real: You can’t go to Omaha and not eat a steak at one of the city’s many fantastic steakhouses. The city is known for great steakhouses, like Monarch Restaurant, and other options, like Neapolitan pizza at Dante and farm-fresh ice cream at Coneflower Creamery. The Old Market district provides a charming setting for culinary exploration, with eateries like Ika San Ramen and Yokocho offering flavorful noodle dishes and creative cocktails. Farm-to-table spots like Gather, which grows its own food, and upscale establishments like Le Bouillon and Committee Chophouse offer something for every budget and palate. Other locally sourced spots include Kitchen Table and 402 Eat + Drink, which focus on local ingredients. The Blackstone District is home to trendy spots like Early Bird. Brunch culture is huge here, with Jams Modern American and Louie M’s Burgerlust Cafe serving big breakfasts.

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The area has several great school districts for families, including Omaha Public Schools (OPS), Millard Public Schools and Westside Community Schools. Millard is one of the best districts in Nebraska. However, OPS is the largest district in both Omaha and Nebraska and serves most of the students (more than 51,000!) in the area. Though performance varies from school to school, the district maintains a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1. Omaha also has many religious and independent private schools, often with a long history of high-quality education and smaller class sizes. Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School is among the most well-regarded, thanks to its strong academic reputation and focus on college preparation. There are also dueling all-boys and all-girls college preparatory schools – Creighton Preparatory School and Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart. 

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