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

The cost of Oakland movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Oakland to Omaha (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,440, while larger moves may reach $10,678 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 Oakland.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,160 to $2,931, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Oakland to Omaha

Moving from Oakland to Omaha means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Oakland than in Omaha, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Oakland compares to Omaha so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Oakland Omaha
Average rent cost $2,200 $1,295
Average home value $736,156 $275,214
Average income (per capita) $94,389 $65,359
Cost of living (single person) $3,146 $3,133
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,584 $4,020
Unemployment rate 4.5% 3.4%
Sales tax 10.25% 7.0%
State income tax 13.3% 6.64%
  • Rent prices in Omaha are 41% lower than in Oakland, 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 62.6% lower than in Oakland.
  • Income in Omaha is 30.8% lower than in Oakland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Omaha include Berkshire Hathaway, C&A Industries, and Union Pacific.
  • The cost of living for a single person is the same in Omaha and Oakland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Omaha is 53.2% lower than in Oakland.
  • The unemployment rate in Omaha is 24.44% lower than in Oakland.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Omaha, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Omaha are 31.71% lower than in Oakland.
  • One perk of moving to Omaha is paying less in state income taxes, which are 50.08% lower than in Oakland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,987.60 in Omaha to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oakland.

How life is different in Oakland vs. Omaha

Omaha Oakland
Population 483,335 440,646
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 48 75
Bike friendliness score 42 65
Crime Index 45.72 68.62
Safety Index 54.28 31.38
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Omaha is about 10% greater than Oakland, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Getting around Omaha without a car might be more difficult than in Oakland. Omaha has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Oakland is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Omaha neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Oakland. Based on its score of 48 out of 100, Omaha isnโ€™t as walkable as Oakland, which has a score of 75 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Omaha, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Oakland. While Oakland has a bike-friendliness score of 65 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 Oakland based on scores of 45.72 and Oakland's 68.62, 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 Oakland, based on Omahaโ€™s safety index of 54.28 versus 31.38 for Oakland. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Omaha and Oakland is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Oakland 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 Oakland to Omaha?

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

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

With many people choosing to move from Oakland 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 Oakland to Omaha take?

Moving from Oakland, CA to Omaha, NE covers 1,662 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Oakland movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Omaha.

Helpful moving resources