($1,626) Movers From Portland, ME to Omaha, NE

What to know before moving from Portland to Omaha

Moving from Portland to Omaha comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Omaha is generally more expensive than Portland, it’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:

• Rent prices in Omaha are 35% lower than in Portland, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Omaha.
  Home prices in Omaha are 49.2% lower than in Portland.
• Income in Omaha is 1.9% higher than in Portland, 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 25.8% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Omaha is 33.7% lower than in Portland.
• The unemployment rate in Omaha is 34.62% lower than in Portland.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Omaha, since the city’s sales taxes in Omaha are 27.27% higher than in Portland.
• State income taxes in Omaha are 14.48% higher than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,773.18 in Omaha to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Omaha

• The population of Omaha is about 607% greater than Portland, 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 Portland. Omaha has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Portland is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a city’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 Portland. Based on its score of 48 out of 100, Omaha isn’t as walkable as Portland, which has a score of 62 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 won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Omaha, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Portland. While Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 68 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.
• The crime rate in Omaha is higher than in Portland, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 45.72 in Omaha, it is 32.16 in Portland. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you’re getting used to your new surroundings in Omaha. With a crime index of 54.28, Omaha ranks lower in overall safety than Portland, whose index is Portland's 67.84. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• The air quality in Omaha and Portland 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 Portland vs. Omaha move

• Weather: Omaha has hot summers and cold winters. Most rain fall occurs during the warmer months.
• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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 Commission’s Motor Carrier Division.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Nebraska moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Nebraska doesn\’t require moving permits, but it\’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Omaha. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Omaha

Ready to relocate to "Big "O""? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Omaha.

Helpful moving resources