Key factors that impact the cost of your Phoenix to Omaha movetoggle

The cost of Phoenix movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Phoenix to Omaha (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,404, while larger moves may reach $9,273 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Phoenix.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $984 to $2,495, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Phoenix to Omaha

Moving from Phoenix to Omaha comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Omaha is generally more expensive than Phoenix, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Phoenix Omaha
Average rent cost $1,695 $1,295
Average home value $411,139 $275,214
Average income (per capita) $64,552 $65,359
Cost of living (single person) $2,369 $3,133
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,226 $4,020
Unemployment rate 6.6% 3.4%
Sales tax 8.6% 7.0%
State income tax 2.5% 6.64%
  • Rent prices in Omaha are 24% lower than in Phoenix, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Omaha.
    Home prices in Omaha are 33.1% lower than in Phoenix.
  • Income in Omaha is 1.3% higher than in Phoenix, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Omaha include Berkshire Hathaway, C&A Industries, and Union Pacific.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Omaha, since the cost of living for a single person in Omaha is 32.2% higher than in Phoenix. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Omaha is 23.1% lower than in Phoenix.
  • The unemployment rate in Omaha is 48.48% lower than in Phoenix.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Omaha, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Omaha are 18.60% lower than in Phoenix.
  • State income taxes in Omaha are 165.60% higher than in Phoenix.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,967.50 in Omaha to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Phoenix.

How life is different in Phoenix vs. Omaha

Omaha Phoenix
Population 483,335 1,608,139
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 6
Walkability score 48 41
Bike friendliness score 42 56
Crime Index 45.72 53.06
Safety Index 54.28 46.94
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Omaha might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 70% less than Phoenix.
  • Getting around Omaha without a car might be more difficult than in Phoenix. Omaha has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Phoenix is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Living in Omaha means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Phoenix. Omaha is considered more walkable than Phoenix, with a score of 48 out of 100 versus 41 out of 100 in Phoenix. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Omaha, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Phoenix. While Phoenix has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, Omaha earned a 42. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • Omaha has a lower crime rate than Phoenix based on scores of 45.72 and Phoenix's 53.06, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Omaha than in Phoenix, based on Omahaโ€™s safety index of 54.28 versus 46.94 for Phoenix. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Omaha has better air quality than in Phoenix. Omaha has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Phoenix. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Phoenix vs. Omaha move

  • Weather: Omaha has hot summers and cold winters. Most rain fall occurs during the warmer months.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: The Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC) regulates local and intrastate moving companies within the state. All movers must have a Certificate of Authority issued by the NPSC, maintain minimum levels of insurance, and comply with regulations set forth by the Commissionโ€™s Motor Carrier Division. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Nebraska moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Nebraska does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Omaha. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost choice with minimal coverage, as movers are liable for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For example, if your mover misplaces or damages a valuable antique weighing 30 pounds, you'd receive $18 (60 cents x 30 pounds). For broader coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider consulting a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Omaha

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Big "O"", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Omaha.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Benson
  • Aksarben/Elmwood Park
  • Old Market
  • Midtown Crossing
  • Blackstone

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Dundee
  • Aksarben/Elmwood Park
  • West Omaha
  • Millard
  • Field Club

Things to do in Omaha

Now that you've made the move to Nebraska, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Omaha. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Omaha, such as the The Durham Museum, Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha Children's Museum, General Crook House Museum, and Freedom Park Navy Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Heartland of America Park, Kenefick Park, First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park, and Zorinsky Lake and Recreation Area โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Creighton Bluejays (NCAA), Omaha Mavericks (NCAA), Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A East), or Omaha Lancers (USHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Omaha?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Phoenix to Omaha are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Phoenix are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Phoenix to Omaha?

With many people choosing to move from Phoenix to Omaha in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Phoenix to Omaha take?

Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Omaha, NE covers 1,301 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Phoenix movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Omaha.

Helpful moving resources