63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
77
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Omaha wins 4–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Omaha wins 0–4 overall (77/100)
💰 Omaha is more affordable
💼 Omaha has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Omaha — The Verdict
Omaha scores 77.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Omaha has a clear edge with home prices 31% lower. Omaha has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.0%. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 7 fewer declarations in 20 years. Omaha may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers and job seekers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Omaha are 31% lower — a difference of $94,200 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Omaha saves you $215/month — that's $2,580 per year.
📊
Omaha has a 1.6 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Omaha has cleaner air with an AQI 43 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 7 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$210,300
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,099
Median Income
$71,673
$70,202
The affordability gap is significant — Omaha offers home prices 31% lower than Chicago, translating to $94,200 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.0%
Omaha has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 1.6 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
17 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Omaha wins on air quality with an AQI 43 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
17
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 7 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Omaha: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Omaha cheaper to live in?
Omaha is more affordable overall. Home prices are $94,200 lower in Omaha. Monthly rent is $1,099 in Omaha vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Omaha have better weather?
Omaha scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Omaha better for finding a job?
Omaha currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.0% in Omaha. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $70,202 in Omaha.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Omaha?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 17 in Omaha. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Omaha.
Should I move from Chicago to Omaha?
Based on our data, Omaha scores 77.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Omaha is more affordable, while Omaha has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.