City comparison
Yes. Omaha's crime index is 141 versus 144 in Glendale, and its violent crime index is 102 versus 135, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Omaha is cheaper. Median rent is $1,187 a month versus $1,528 in Glendale.
The cost gap between Omaha and Glendale is the real story here. Omaha comes in 22% cheaper on typical rent ($1,187 vs $1,528), which over a year adds up to $4,092. Median household income runs $73,201 in Omaha and $73,530 in Glendale.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Omaha costs less and Glendale pays more: the right call depends on whether you are optimizing for take-home pay or monthly burn rate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Omaha at $1,187 average has pockets that run $987 and others at $1,587: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Omaha and Glendale are 1,036 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,187 a month in Omaha to $1,528 a month in Glendale, up $341 a month (29%).
Median household income goes from $73,201 in Omaha to $73,530 in Glendale, up $329 (under 1%).
The crime index goes from 141 in Omaha to 144 in Glendale, up 3 points (2%).
The move
Glendale and Omaha are 1,036 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,528 a month in Glendale to $1,187 a month in Omaha, down $341 a month (22%).
Median household income goes from $73,530 in Glendale to $73,201 in Omaha, down $329 (under 1%).
The crime index goes from 144 in Glendale to 141 in Omaha, down 3 points (2%).
Omaha, NE
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Glendale, AZ
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Omaha and Glendale? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
22% cheaper
Omaha rent is 22% cheaper than Glendale
Omaha
Winner$1,187/mo
Glendale
$1,528/mo
Typical rent runs $1,187 a month in Omaha versus $1,528 in Glendale, so Omaha is 22% cheaper. That's roughly $341/month back in your pocket ($4,092/year). Over five years that's $20,460 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Glendale, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Omaha is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Omaha? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
1% higher
Glendale's median income is 1% higher than Omaha
Omaha
$73,201
Glendale
Winner$73,530
Median household income is $73,530 in Glendale versus $73,201 in Omaha, so typical pay runs 1% higher in Glendale (about $329 more household income a year). The income edge is modest. Treat it as extra negotiating context, not a reason to ignore rent, schools, or climate. Remote workers especially should not treat citywide pay as a personal raise if their employer will not localize salary.
Crime index
2% lower crime
Omaha's crime index is 2% lower than Glendale
Omaha
Winner141 (100 = avg)
Glendale
144 (100 = avg)
Omaha's crime index is 141 versus 144 in Glendale (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 2% lower in Omaha. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Omaha, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Glendale. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
17% more comfortable
Glendale weather is 17% more comfortable than Omaha
Omaha
59°F avg · 68°F highs · comfort 83/100
Glendale
Winner81°F avg · 87°F highs · comfort 97/100
Omaha averages about 59°F (68°F highs); Glendale averages about 81°F (87°F highs). Omaha averages around 59°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Glendale averages around 81°F. Glendale scores 17% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Omaha if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy
Omaha is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 22% cheaper here at about $1,187 a month. Choose Omaha if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Omaha is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 2% lower than Glendale (141 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 1% higher ($73,530), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 81°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Bottom line
Weather separates these metros: $1,528/month rent in Glendale at 81°F versus $1,187 in Omaha at 59°F. Income runs $73,530 vs $73,201, but the daily feel of the move is the temperature gap.
Glendale still pays more locally ($73,530 median income vs $73,201), which can offset the lease if your field pays Glendale rates.
Safety scores read 50/100 in Omaha and 49/100 in Glendale.
Between Omaha and Glendale, Glendale is ahead on climate — 81°F typical weather versus 59°F. Lean Omaha instead when you would rather tolerate 59°F than optimize for Glendale's comfort score.
Common questions
Ready to move to Omaha?
Next steps
Quotes and listings for Omaha when you're ready to act.
Keep researching
Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Omaha and Glendale, plus other cities in NE and AZ.
