City comparison
No. Omaha's crime index is 141 versus 174 in Phoenix, and its violent crime index is 102 versus 216, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Omaha is cheaper. Median rent is $1,187 a month versus $1,582 in Phoenix.
The cost gap between Phoenix and Omaha is the real story here. Omaha comes in 25% cheaper on typical rent ($1,582 vs $1,187), which over a year adds up to $4,740. Median household income runs $81,332 in Phoenix and $73,201 in Omaha.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Omaha costs less and Phoenix 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
Phoenix and Omaha are 1,035 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,582 a month in Phoenix to $1,187 a month in Omaha, down $395 a month (25%).
Median household income goes from $81,332 in Phoenix to $73,201 in Omaha, down $8,131 (10%).
The crime index goes from 174 in Phoenix to 141 in Omaha, down 33 points (19%).
The move
Omaha and Phoenix are 1,035 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,187 a month in Omaha to $1,582 a month in Phoenix, up $395 a month (33%).
Median household income goes from $73,201 in Omaha to $81,332 in Phoenix, up $8,131 (11%).
The crime index goes from 141 in Omaha to 174 in Phoenix, up 33 points (23%).
Phoenix, AZ
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Omaha, NE
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Phoenix and Omaha? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
25% cheaper
Omaha rent is 25% cheaper than Phoenix
Phoenix
$1,582/mo
Omaha
Winner$1,187/mo
Typical rent runs $1,187 a month in Omaha versus $1,582 in Phoenix, so Omaha is 25% cheaper. That's roughly $395/month back in your pocket ($4,740/year). Over five years that's $23,700 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 Phoenix, 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
11% higher
Phoenix's median income is 11% higher than Omaha
Phoenix
Winner$81,332
Omaha
$73,201
Median household income is $81,332 in Phoenix versus $73,201 in Omaha, so typical pay runs 11% higher in Phoenix (about $8,131 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Phoenix is the stronger labor market on paper. Omaha can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
19% lower crime
Omaha's crime index is 19% lower than Phoenix
Phoenix
174 (100 = avg)
Omaha
Winner141 (100 = avg)
Omaha's crime index is 141 versus 174 in Phoenix (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 19% lower in Omaha. That gap is meaningful day-to-day. It affects whether you feel comfortable walking at night, leaving your car on the street, or letting kids play outside unsupervised. Indexes still compress a lot of reality: a calmer city has blocks you would skip, and a higher-crime city has streets that feel neighborly at 10 p.m. On the everyday test of walking from the car to the door, Omaha is the easier city. Phoenix can still work if you pick the right pocket. Just budget more diligence before you sign a lease.
Typical weather
17% more comfortable
Phoenix weather is 17% more comfortable than Omaha
Phoenix
Winner81°F avg · 87°F highs · comfort 97/100
Omaha
59°F avg · 68°F highs · comfort 83/100
Phoenix averages about 81°F (87°F highs); Omaha averages about 59°F (68°F highs). Phoenix averages around 81°F. Omaha averages around 59°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Phoenix 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
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 11% higher ($81,332), 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.
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 25% 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 19% lower than Phoenix (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.
Bottom line
Phoenix runs 81°F typical weather against 59°F in Omaha (comfort scores 97 vs 83). Housing is $1,582/month versus $1,187/month, so this decision is lifestyle-weighted as much as financial.
Phoenix still pays more locally ($81,332 median income vs $73,201), which can offset the lease if your field pays Phoenix rates.
Safety scores read 43/100 in Phoenix and 50/100 in Omaha.
Pick Omaha when 59°F is the daily environment you want. Otherwise, Phoenix's case rests on 81°F you prefer and $1,582 rent you can sustain.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Omaha when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Phoenix and Omaha, plus other cities in AZ and NE.
