City comparison
Yes. Omaha's crime index is 141 versus 151 in Reno, and its violent crime index is 102 versus 156, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Omaha is cheaper. Median rent is $1,187 a month versus $1,556 in Reno.
The cost gap between Omaha and Reno is the real story here. Omaha comes in 24% cheaper on typical rent ($1,187 vs $1,556), which over a year adds up to $4,428. Median household income runs $73,201 in Omaha and $80,760 in Reno.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Omaha costs less and Reno 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 Reno are 1,258 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,187 a month in Omaha to $1,556 a month in Reno, up $369 a month (31%).
Median household income goes from $73,201 in Omaha to $80,760 in Reno, up $7,559 (10%).
The crime index goes from 141 in Omaha to 151 in Reno, up 10 points (7%).
The move
Reno and Omaha are 1,258 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,556 a month in Reno to $1,187 a month in Omaha, down $369 a month (24%).
Median household income goes from $80,760 in Reno to $73,201 in Omaha, down $7,559 (9%).
The crime index goes from 151 in Reno to 141 in Omaha, down 10 points (7%).
Omaha, NE
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Reno, NV
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Omaha and Reno? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
24% cheaper
Omaha rent is 24% cheaper than Reno
Omaha
Winner$1,187/mo
Reno
$1,556/mo
Typical rent runs $1,187 a month in Omaha versus $1,556 in Reno, so Omaha is 24% cheaper. That's roughly $369/month back in your pocket ($4,428/year). Over five years that's $22,140 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 Reno, 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
10% higher
Reno's median income is 10% higher than Omaha
Omaha
$73,201
Reno
Winner$80,760
Median household income is $80,760 in Reno versus $73,201 in Omaha, so typical pay runs 10% higher in Reno (about $7,559 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
7% lower crime
Omaha's crime index is 7% lower than Reno
Omaha
Winner141 (100 = avg)
Reno
151 (100 = avg)
Omaha's crime index is 141 versus 151 in Reno (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 7% 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 Reno. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
11% more comfortable
Reno weather is 11% more comfortable than Omaha
Omaha
59°F avg · 68°F highs · comfort 83/100
Reno
Winner62°F avg · 71°F highs · comfort 92/100
Omaha averages about 59°F (68°F highs); Reno averages about 62°F (71°F highs). Omaha averages around 59°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Reno averages around 62°F. Reno scores 11% 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 24% 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 7% lower than Reno (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 10% higher ($80,760), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 62°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Bottom line
Housing separates these metros first: $1,187/month in Omaha versus $1,556 in Reno. Median income reads $73,201 in Omaha and $80,760 in Reno, which matters when you stack rent against take-home pay.
Omaha rent at $1,187/month is still below Reno's $1,556, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Weather averages land near 59°F in Omaha and 62°F in Reno.
Omaha clears the bar on housing cost in this dataset. Reno deserves a serious look only when your $80,760 income offer in Reno outweighs saving $369/month in Omaha.
Common questions
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Next steps
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Omaha and Reno, plus other cities in NE and NV.
