Moving to a new city is a key decision often framed by several considerations like security, climate, cost of living, education, job opportunities, infrastructure, and more. Columbus, Ohio and Omaha, Nebraska, are two noteworthy US cities with unique qualities. This comprehensive comparison between the two aims to provide an insight into which might be the better fit for relocation or simply a visit.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
Omaha, NE : 687.8 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 86%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of Omaha has grown by 97,293 people (24.9%) during that time.
When looking at general crime rates, both Columbus and Omaha have somewhat comparable crime statistics with both cities having crime rates that are slightly above the national average. However, it’s important to note that both cities have focused efforts in recent years to improve their public safety. Local law enforcement programs are continually implemented to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,506 registered sex offenders living in Columbus and 1,375 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 573 to 1; the ratio in Omaha is 325 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Columbus than in Omaha.
Cost of Living
Omaha slightly edges out over Columbus when it comes to the cost of living. The cost of housing, groceries, health, and transportation tends to be lower in Omaha. However, both cities remain notably more affordable compared to the national average, making either an appealing destination for anyone seeking less expensive urban living.
Income Tax
Ohioans pay a progressive state income tax, and Columbus residents also pay a 2.5% city income tax. Nebraska has a slightly higher progressive state income tax, but Omaha has no city income tax.
Property Tax
Property tax in Nebraska is higher than Ohio's, with Omaha residents seeing slightly elevated rates compared to the state's average. Meanwhile, property tax in Columbus remains slightly below the national average.
Sales Tax
Nebraska’s state sales tax sits at 5.5%, plus an additional 1.5% city sales tax in Omaha. Columbus residents pay Ohio's state sales tax of 5.75%, plus an additional 0.75% city sales tax.
Income
Type
Columbus
Omaha
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$62,948
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$38,062
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
89.4
If you make $50,000 in Omaha, you will have to make $53,747 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Columbus is relatively flat, characterized by a mix of suburban and urban landscapes with several parklands. Omaha, on the other hand, offers a balance of urban and suburban settings with more hills and resides on the banks of the Missouri River.
Columbus is home to one of the largest universities in the nation, Ohio State University, and boasts a strong public school system. Omaha also provides robust education options with a variety of public, private, and parochial schools, as well as being home to the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Both cities have thriving economies. Columbus has particularly robust employment opportunities in education, government, and health care. Omaha's economy is diversified across several industries including finance, insurance, health care, and transportation.
Biggest Employers
In Columbus, some of the biggest employers include Ohio State University, the state of Ohio, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and JPMorgan Chase. In Omaha, major employers are Offutt Air Force Base, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and several Fortune 500 companies such as Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific, and Mutual of Omaha.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 1,620 building permits issued in Omaha in 2012 (460 more than in 2011).
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Omaha (Douglas County), 47.5% voted for Democrats and 50.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Omaha
Columbus
Omaha
Columbus
Omaha
2020
64.7%
54.4%
33.4%
43.1%
1.9%
2.5%
2016
59.8%
47.3%
33.9%
45.0%
6.2%
7.7%
2012
60.8%
47.5%
37.9%
50.6%
1.3%
1.9%
2008
59.8%
51.7%
39.0%
47.0%
1.2%
1.3%
2004
54.5%
40.4%
45.2%
58.6%
0.3%
1.0%
2000
48.9%
40.1%
47.9%
55.2%
3.2%
4.7%
1996
48.1%
39.3%
44.5%
51.4%
7.3%
9.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Omaha
Columbus
Omaha
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
24.0%
5.6%
11.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
4.1%
3.7%
6.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.5%
6.8%
5.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
0.9%
1.9%
0.7%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.1%
1.2%
0.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
0.5%
3.3%
2.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.3%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.0%
1.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
2.5%
1.0%
4.3%
SALVATION ARMY
0.1%
0.4%
0.4%
0.9%
Weather
Columbus and Omaha both experience a blend of all four seasons. Columbus tends to have warmer summers averaging in the mid-80s, whereas Omaha generally sees slightly cooler summers in the high-70s. Both cities fare similar winters. Omaha tends to be a bit more susceptive to tornadoes due to its location within Tornado Alley, something to consider for those sensitive to extreme weather conditions.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Omaha
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
50.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
75.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
35%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
30 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
57.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
18.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
66.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
27%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
47%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
10.8 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Omaha, Nebraska
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Omaha
Columbus
Omaha
Columbus
Columbus
Omaha
Omaha
Columbus
Omaha
Columbus
Omaha
Columbus
Omaha
2018
69
75
0.11
0.18
10.0
N/A
33.8
26.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.3
6.0
8.4
0.0
0.5
2017
68
76
0.16
0.19
9.6
N/A
28.7
26.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.6
5.5
9.6
0.1
0.9
2016
76
80
0.17
0.18
10.6
N/A
28.5
26.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.3
5.6
8.1
0.1
0.7
2015
74
79
0.16
0.20
11.3
N/A
27.0
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.3
6.1
9.3
0.1
0.9
2014
82
80
0.20
0.23
11.0
N/A
28.5
27.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.5
7.4
8.8
0.5
1.2
2013
78
79
N/A
0.20
8.9
N/A
29.6
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.9
7.8
9.3
0.6
1.4
2012
87
100
N/A
0.21
N/A
N/A
32.9
27.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
39.0
8.9
8.4
N/A
1.6
2011
89
96
N/A
0.21
N/A
N/A
28.1
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
32.9
8.9
9.2
N/A
1.6
2010
90
102
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.5
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
43.2
9.1
10.5
N/A
2.1
2009
61
73
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.7
24.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
2008
65
104
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
31.2
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
45.0
N/A
18.9
1.8
1.1
2007
80
109
N/A
0.51
N/A
N/A
30.8
29.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.5
2.8
1.7
2006
75
86
N/A
0.50
N/A
N/A
30.0
30.0
N/A
N/A
23.7
N/A
N/A
13.0
3.3
1.3
2005
87
78
N/A
0.47
N/A
N/A
29.6
32.8
N/A
N/A
27.5
N/A
N/A
12.9
4.1
2.8
2004
77
51
N/A
0.44
N/A
N/A
27.8
30.9
N/A
N/A
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
1.5
2003
91
50
N/A
0.43
N/A
N/A
26.4
26.6
N/A
N/A
23.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
0.7
2002
93
48
N/A
0.38
N/A
N/A
31.3
27.6
0.030
N/A
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
1.1
2001
84
39
N/A
0.35
N/A
N/A
29.2
25.0
0.038
N/A
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.5
0.4
2000
57
44
N/A
0.50
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.1
0.049
N/A
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
0.5
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Omaha
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
191.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
415.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
21%
Transportation
Both cities have comprehensive public transit systems - COTA in Columbus and Metro in Omaha. Traffic is generally manageable in both cities, but Columbus has a higher walkability score. Columbus also houses the John Glenn Columbus International Airport while Omaha has Eppley Airfield.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Omaha
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
415
405
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
24
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Omaha
Bicycle
0.6%
0.2%
Bus
1.6%
0.7%
Carpooled
7.4%
8.2%
Car alone
86.7%
87.8%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2.2%
2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Omaha
Average
26.1 min
22.5 min
Other means
21.7 min
18.8 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
Omaha
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
90.7%
90.4%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
6.9%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Omaha generally has a lower real estate cost compared to Columbus. However, both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from downtown apartments to suburban family homes and have been experiencing a rise in property values.
Neighborhoods
Both Columbus and Omaha offer diverse neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles. Columbus has a mix of vibrant, urban neighborhoods like the Short North Arts District and family-friendly suburbs like Dublin. Omaha offers Old Market with its historic charm and West Omaha with its suburban appeal.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Omaha
Houses
422,120
212,802
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.5
Median year apartment built
1982
1976
Median year house/condo built
1977
1970
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
13.3 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
201,469 (94.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
117,404 (58.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
84,065 (41.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$892.09
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$1,119
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$261,376
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$211,900
Median numbers of rooms
5
5.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
7.1
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$249,098
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
$191,723
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$100,661
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$319,464
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$35,876
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$186,544
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$246,177
Median house age
42
49
Renting percentage
53%
41.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
1,839.2
House value disparities
30.2%
33.1%
Household income disparities
42.4%
45.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$98,149
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$71,454
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
2,417 (2.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
7,375 (8.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
80,503 (97.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
335 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
9,200 (11.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
Omaha
One, detached
45.8%
63.2%
One, attached
9.1%
3.9%
Two
4.0%
1.5%
3 or 4
8.6%
2.2%
5 to 9
11.8%
6.8%
10 to 19
8.6%
8.3%
20 to 49
4.5%
5.3%
50 or more
6.8%
8.1%
Mobile homes
0.8%
0.6%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,915
11,886
State government workers
31,881
7,835
Unpaid family workers
724
205
Industries and Occupations
Columbus is the state capital of Ohio and hosts numerous government jobs. It also has strength in education, healthcare, and insurance sectors. Conversely, Omaha, being the headquarter city for five Fortune 500 companies, prides itself on a diversified economy including finance, insurance, and agribusiness.
Both Columbus and Omaha offer excellent health care services. Columbus is home to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, a nationally ranked facility. Omaha also has top-notch healthcare, including the highly regarded University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
Omaha
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
The infrastructure in both Columbus and Omaha is improving with consistent investment in public works. This includes expansions and improvements to highways, bridges, and public transport systems. Both cities offer reliable internet and utility services and are increasing efforts towards sustainable infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Omaha
Hospitals
47
23
TV stations
14
19
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
200
183
Bank institutions located here
25
31
Main business address for public companies
23
30
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Omaha
1999
2,450
1,177
2000
2,376
545
2001
1,897
390
2002
1,483
441
2003
2,087
747
2004
3,216
1,022
2005
4,275
1,055
2006
4,662
1,083
2007
2,679
646
2008
1,015
318
2009
555
220
Culture and Food
Both cities offer rich cultural experiences. Columbus offers an artsy and youthful energy, given its university presence. It offers international cuisine, music festivals and art fairs. Omaha is known for its jazz music, live theatre, and signature cuisine like the Omaha Steaks.
Sports Teams
In Omaha, college sports reign supreme, especially with the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers. Omaha also hosts the College World Series annually. Columbus, meanwhile, is home to the popular Ohio State Buckeyes and professional teams like the Blue Jackets (NHL) and Crew (MLS).
Columbus, OH
Omaha, NE
Columbus, OH and 
Omaha, NE : 687.8 miles
