Overview
Your decision to choose between Dallas, Texas, and Omaha, Nebraska, may largely depend on personal preference rather than any stark differences between the two cities. Both cities have unique aspects to offer in terms of culture, economy, and lifestyle. If you favor a larger, bustling city with more diversity, then Dallas might be your choice. However, if you prefer smaller crowds, with a balance of city and rural life, then Omaha might be the right fit. Here's a comprehensive comparison to help inform your decision.
Distance between
Dallas, TX and
Omaha, NE : 586.1 miles
Dallas's population is larger by 164%. Its population has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Omaha has grown by 97,293 people (24.9%) during that time.
While both Dallas and Omaha have areas with higher crime rates, overall, Omaha generally has a lower crime rate compared to the national average than Dallas does. In Dallas, some neighborhoods are safer than others, with safer neighborhoods located north of Downtown. Omaha also has safer neighborhoods predominantly in the western and southern parts of the city.
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 4,297 registered sex offenders living in Dallas and 1,375 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Dallas is 307 to 1; the ratio in Omaha is 325 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Dallas is near to than in Omaha.
Cost of Living
On average, the cost of living in Dallas is higher than in Omaha. Housing is particularly more expensive in Dallas, along with transportation and groceries. However, salaries in Dallas are generally higher as well, somewhat balancing out the increased cost of living.
Income Tax
Texas, including Dallas, does not impose any state income tax, giving it an advantage over Nebraska, which has a state income tax rate ranging from 2.46% to 6.84%.
Property Tax
While the cost of homes in Dallas is higher, the average property tax rate in Dallas is lower than Omaha. The average property tax rate in Dallas is around 2.02% while in Omaha it is about 2.10%.
Sales Tax
Texas has a higher sales tax rate at 6.25% compared to Nebraska's 5.5%. However, individual cities in Texas, including Dallas, can add up to 2%, making the potential total sales tax up to 8.25%.
Income
Type
Dallas
Omaha
Estimated median household income
$57,995
$62,948
Estimated per capita income
$38,479
$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 Dallas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Dallas is part of the Southern Plains and has flatter geography, while Omaha is located in the heart of the Midwest, resulting in some hilly terrain. Both cities are near major rivers — Dallas near the Trinity River and Omaha near the Missouri River.
Both cities offer a quality education with good public and private schools. However, Dallas has a more diverse offering with bilingual and magnet schools. Dallas also hosts more Fortune 500 company headquarters, offering excellent internship opportunities for college students.
Both Dallas and Omaha have strong economies, but they are built on different industries. Dallas has a highly diversified economy with strong sectors in technology, defense, financial services, and telecommunications. Omaha, while diversified, is known for its strength in finance, insurance, telecommunications, and agriculture.
Biggest Employers
In Dallas, the biggest employers include AT&T, Texas Health Resources, and Lockheed Martin. On the other hand, in Omaha, the largest employers are Offutt Air Force Base, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Mutual of Omaha.
There were 2,245 building permits issued in Dallas in 2012 (1436 more than in 2011) compared to 1,620 building permits issued in Omaha in 2012 (460 more than in 2011).
In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% 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
Dallas
Omaha
Dallas
Omaha
Dallas
Omaha
2020
65.1%
54.4%
33.4%
43.1%
1.4%
2.5%
2016
60.8%
47.3%
34.7%
45.0%
4.5%
7.7%
2012
57.3%
47.5%
41.8%
50.6%
1.0%
1.9%
2008
57.4%
51.7%
42.0%
47.0%
0.6%
1.3%
2004
49.0%
40.4%
50.4%
58.6%
0.5%
1.0%
2000
45.0%
40.1%
52.7%
55.2%
2.4%
4.7%
1996
46.0%
39.3%
46.8%
51.4%
7.2%
9.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Dallas
Omaha
Dallas
Omaha
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.9%
24.0%
2.4%
11.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
11.0%
1.5%
31.1%
5.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.6%
0.9%
1.1%
0.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.5%
1.5%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
1.7%
1.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
4.1%
0.9%
6.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
2.5%
0.7%
4.3%
SALVATION ARMY
0.2%
0.4%
0.3%
0.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.5%
0.2%
2.8%
Weather
The weather in Dallas is significantly hotter during summer months than in Omaha. The average summer temperature in Dallas can reach the mid 90s, while in Omaha it's typically in the mid 80's. During winter months, Omaha is significantly colder than Dallas, and it also receives more snowfall.
Weather and climate
Type
Dallas
Omaha
Temperature - Average
66.6°F
50.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.3%
75.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
35%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.3 in
30 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
57.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
18.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
66.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
27%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
47%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
10.8 mph
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Average climate in Omaha, Nebraska
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Dallas
Omaha
Omaha
Dallas
Dallas
Omaha
Dallas
Omaha
Omaha
Dallas
Omaha
Dallas
Omaha
2018
86
75
0.18
N/A
5.7
N/A
28.7
26.7
N/A
N/A
19.3
N/A
9.7
8.4
0.4
0.5
2017
84
76
0.19
N/A
5.5
N/A
28.6
26.3
N/A
N/A
21.6
N/A
9.1
9.6
0.3
0.9
2016
81
80
0.18
N/A
6.1
N/A
27.2
26.3
N/A
N/A
19.3
N/A
8.4
8.1
0.2
0.7
2015
85
79
0.20
N/A
6.5
N/A
26.7
26.9
N/A
N/A
20.3
N/A
8.9
9.3
0.3
0.9
2014
83
80
0.23
N/A
6.3
N/A
27.6
27.9
N/A
N/A
23.5
N/A
9.9
8.8
0.3
1.2
2013
97
79
0.20
N/A
7.3
N/A
28.8
28.0
N/A
N/A
26.9
N/A
13.0
9.3
0.2
1.4
2012
116
100
0.21
N/A
8.6
N/A
31.0
27.1
N/A
N/A
39.0
N/A
12.0
8.4
0.3
1.6
2011
98
96
0.21
N/A
9.4
N/A
30.9
25.4
N/A
N/A
32.9
N/A
11.9
9.2
0.6
1.6
2010
79
102
N/A
N/A
9.4
N/A
28.3
28.0
N/A
N/A
43.2
N/A
N/A
10.5
0.7
2.1
2009
88
73
N/A
N/A
9.2
N/A
28.8
24.3
N/A
N/A
28.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.5
1.8
2008
88
104
N/A
N/A
9.8
N/A
29.2
26.9
0.121
N/A
45.0
N/A
N/A
18.9
0.5
1.1
2007
94
109
0.51
N/A
11.0
N/A
25.7
29.0
0.070
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.5
0.3
1.7
2006
107
86
0.50
N/A
10.8
N/A
30.6
30.0
0.106
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.0
0.7
1.3
2005
108
78
0.47
N/A
13.0
N/A
29.7
32.8
0.142
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.0
12.9
0.9
2.8
2004
96
51
0.44
N/A
12.3
N/A
26.0
30.9
0.099
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
1.5
2003
102
50
0.43
N/A
13.6
N/A
27.1
26.6
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
0.7
2002
100
48
0.38
N/A
14.0
N/A
25.2
27.6
0.080
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
1.1
2001
100
39
0.35
N/A
14.3
N/A
26.0
25.0
0.069
0.038
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
0.4
2000
109
44
0.50
N/A
14.5
N/A
27.0
26.1
0.092
0.049
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
0.5
Natural disasters
Type
Dallas
Omaha
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
254.7%
191.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
567%
415.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
21%
Transportation
Dallas has an extensive public transportation system run by DART, which includes buses, trolleys, and light rail service. Omaha’s public transport is more limited but traffic congestion is far less than in Dallas, making commuting times typically shorter.
Transport
Type
Dallas
Omaha
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
2
405
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
56
24
Means of transportation to work
Type
Dallas
Omaha
Bicycle
0.3%
0.2%
Bus
1.4%
0.7%
Carpooled
10.9%
8.2%
Car alone
83.9%
87.8%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Dallas
Omaha
Average
31.5 min
22.5 min
Other means
26.5 min
18.8 min
Public transportation
46 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Dallas
Omaha
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.8%
90.4%
In 2 person carpool
9%
6.9%
In 3 person carpool
2.6%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Dallas is hotter than Omaha's, with higher average home prices and faster home sales. However, this also means that property taxes are generally higher in Dallas compared to Omaha.
Neighborhoods
Dallas is known for its lively, unique neighborhoods, including Deep Ellum known for its vibrant street murals and lively music scene, and Bishop Arts District, known for its boutiques and bistros. Omaha is home to some popular neighborhoods like Old Market with its historic Old World charm and Aksarben Village with its mix of entertainment venues.
Houses and residents
Type
Dallas
Omaha
Houses
591,773
212,802
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.5
Median year apartment built
1987
1976
Median year house/condo built
1969
1970
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.9 years
13.3 years
Houses occupied
536,008 (90.6%)
201,469 (94.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
229,518 (42.8%)
117,404 (58.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
306,490 (57.2%)
84,065 (41.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,403
$892.09
Median monthly housing costs
$1,225
$1,119
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$574,934
$261,376
Estimated median house or condo value
$267,600
$211,900
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
5.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
7.1
Median house price - detached houses
$410,272
$249,098
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$255,160
$191,723
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$230,927
$100,661
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$444,589
$319,464
Median house price - mobile homes
$91,039
$35,876
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$350,045
$186,544
Median house price - All housing units
$402,215
$246,177
Median house age
40
49
Renting percentage
55.9%
41.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,727.6
1,839.2
House value disparities
41.3%
33.1%
Household income disparities
48.2%
45.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$103,798
$98,149
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,909
$71,454
Housing units without a mortgage
1,309 (1%)
2,417 (2.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,320 (2.6%)
7,375 (8.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,846 (99%)
80,503 (97.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.2%)
335 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,351 (4.2%)
9,200 (11.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.9%
0.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Dallas
Omaha
One, detached
41.8%
63.2%
One, attached
4.3%
3.9%
Two
1.5%
1.5%
3 or 4
4.9%
2.2%
5 to 9
7.9%
6.8%
10 to 19
12.1%
8.3%
20 to 49
8.1%
5.3%
50 or more
18.4%
8.1%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.6%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
43,703
11,886
State government workers
17,325
7,835
Unpaid family workers
754
205
Industries and Occupations
Dallas is home to many technology companies and a booming financial sector, resulting in numerous jobs in these areas. Omaha has a strong presence of finance and insurance companies, offering many jobs in these sectors. Both cities, however, have healthcare as a major provider of employment.
Both cities have strong healthcare systems. Dallas has a higher density of hospitals, many of which are highly ranked. Omaha is home to the highly respected University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Dallas
Omaha
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Dallas, being much larger than Omaha, has a more complex infrastructure. However, both cities invest heavily in their infrastructure with Dallas emphasizing its transport network and Omaha focusing on its logistics capability due to its central location in the US.
Infrastructure
Type
Dallas
Omaha
Hospitals
74
23
TV stations
25
19
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
394
183
Bank institutions located here
80
31
Main business address for public companies
122
30
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Dallas
Omaha
1999
5,030
1,177
2000
3,390
545
2001
2,626
390
2002
2,657
441
2003
3,617
747
2004
5,460
1,022
2005
7,445
1,055
2006
7,397
1,083
2007
5,056
646
2008
2,200
318
2009
1,121
220
Culture and Food
Dallas is known for its vibrant arts scene and its BBQ and Tex-Mex cuisine. Omaha has a rich cultural heritage with many cultural and historical attractions like the Old Market and has a reputation for its steakhouses and comfort food.
Sports Teams
Dallas is home to professional sports teams in all five major sports, including the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Stars (NHL), and Dallas Mavericks (NBA). Omaha doesn't have major professional teams, but it does host the College World Series annually and is home to the minor league baseball team, the Omaha Storm Chasers.
Dallas, TX
Omaha, NE
Dallas, TX and 
Omaha, NE : 586.1 miles
