Kansas City, MO, and Omaha, NE, are two Midwest cities known for their unique cultures and vibrant economies. These cities have their distinct characteristics, whether it's Kansas City's famous barbeque and jazz music or Omaha's reputation as a business hub. Comparatively, various factors such as crime rates, cost of living, education, job opportunities, and cultural offerings present noticeable differences, creating unique living experiences in each.
Distance between
Kansas City, MO and
Omaha, NE : 169.4 miles
Kansas City's population is larger by 4%. Its population has grown by 66,849 people (15.1%) since 2000. The population of Omaha has grown by 97,293 people (24.9%) during that time.
Kansas City tends to have a higher crime rate than Omaha, but it varies by neighborhood. Like many cities, the more central and urban areas tend to have higher crime rates, while the suburbs are typically safer. In contrast, Omaha generally has lower crime rates, but also experiences variations across different neighborhoods. Both cities have community outreach programs and law enforcement initiatives to improve safety.
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 1,794 registered sex offenders living in Kansas City and 1,375 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Kansas City is 268 to 1; the ratio in Omaha is 325 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Kansas City is near to than in Omaha.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Omaha is generally lower than in Kansas City. This includes factors like housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and health care. However, this also depends on the area of the city, with downtown and popular suburbs typically more expensive.
Income Tax
Missouri's state income tax rate is higher than Nebraska's, so Kansas City residents pay more income taxes than Omaha residents.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Nebraska are generally higher than in Missouri, so Omaha homeowners may pay higher property taxes than those in Kansas City.
Sales Tax
Kansas City has a higher sales tax than Omaha, which can impact discretionary spending for residents and tourists.
Income
Type
Kansas City
Omaha
Estimated median household income
$63,396
$62,948
Estimated per capita income
$36,456
$38,062
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.3
89.4
If you make $50,000 in Kansas City, you will have to make $51,203 in Omaha to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Kansas City is larger and has more varied geographical conditions, including hills and riverfront areas. Omaha, on the other hand, has a flatter landscape, lying in the Missouri River Valley.
Both Kansas City and Omaha have strong public and private school systems, as well as higher education institutions. Kansas City is home to the University of Missouri-Kansas City, while Omaha hosts the University of Nebraska Omaha.
Kansas City has a diverse economy with sectors including telecommunications, healthcare, and government while Omaha is known as a business hub, home to several Fortune 500 companies like Berkshire Hathaway and Mutual of Omaha.
Biggest Employers
Government, healthcare, and technology are the largest employers in Kansas City. In contrast, Omaha's largest employers include Berkshire Hathaway, Mutual of Omaha, and Union Pacific Railroad.
In Kansas City (Jackson County), 58.9% voted for Democrats and 39.3% 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
Kansas City
Omaha
Kansas City
Omaha
Kansas City
Omaha
2020
60.1%
54.4%
38.1%
43.1%
1.8%
2.5%
2016
55.5%
47.3%
38.1%
45.0%
6.4%
7.7%
2012
58.9%
47.5%
39.3%
50.6%
1.7%
1.9%
2008
62.1%
51.7%
36.8%
47.0%
1.1%
1.3%
2004
58.2%
40.4%
41.4%
58.6%
0.4%
1.0%
2000
59.0%
40.1%
38.4%
55.2%
2.5%
4.7%
1996
56.2%
39.3%
34.3%
51.4%
9.5%
9.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Kansas City
Omaha
Kansas City
Omaha
CATHOLIC CHURCH
10.3%
24.0%
6.4%
11.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
9.5%
1.5%
13.7%
5.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
1.4%
2.5%
1.8%
4.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.5%
1.7%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
1.0%
1.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.4%
0.9%
1.1%
0.7%
SALVATION ARMY
0.4%
0.4%
0.6%
0.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
0.5%
1.4%
2.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
4.1%
1.0%
6.6%
Weather
Both Kansas City and Omaha experience seasonal weather with hot summers and cold winters. However, Kansas City tends to have more gentle winters, with less snowfall compared to Omaha, which can experience harsher winter conditions.
Weather and climate
Type
Kansas City
Omaha
Temperature - Average
56.2°F
50.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
76.3%
75.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
30.1%
35%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
56%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
36.3 in
30 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
38 in
57.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
20.1%
18.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
67.3%
66.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
25.9%
27%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
47%
Wind speed - Average
11.2 mph
10.8 mph
Average climate in Kansas City, Missouri
Average climate in Omaha, Nebraska
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Kansas City
Omaha
Kansas City
Omaha
Kansas City
Kansas City
Omaha
Omaha
Kansas City
Omaha
Kansas City
Omaha
Kansas City
Omaha
2018
89
75
0.29
0.18
11.1
N/A
29.6
26.7
N/A
N/A
24.5
19.3
7.4
8.4
0.9
0.5
2017
88
76
0.29
0.19
11.6
N/A
30.4
26.3
N/A
N/A
26.7
21.6
10.0
9.6
1.4
0.9
2016
85
80
0.30
0.18
12.0
N/A
28.9
26.3
N/A
N/A
24.9
19.3
9.0
8.1
1.5
0.7
2015
90
79
0.30
0.20
12.9
N/A
28.9
26.9
N/A
N/A
33.6
20.3
8.3
9.3
4.6
0.9
2014
90
80
0.28
0.23
13.0
N/A
28.6
27.9
N/A
N/A
28.5
23.5
9.3
8.8
5.0
1.2
2013
88
79
0.41
0.20
13.2
N/A
29.3
28.0
N/A
N/A
30.8
26.9
10.3
9.3
5.6
1.4
2012
105
100
0.52
0.21
14.2
N/A
31.9
27.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
39.0
10.3
8.4
6.4
1.6
2011
108
96
0.45
0.21
15.0
N/A
29.9
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
32.9
10.9
9.2
4.8
1.6
2010
97
102
0.40
N/A
15.0
N/A
27.4
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
43.2
11.9
10.5
5.4
2.1
2009
96
73
0.29
N/A
14.8
N/A
28.3
24.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.7
9.6
N/A
6.1
1.8
2008
89
104
0.40
N/A
17.0
N/A
25.7
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
45.0
11.5
18.9
6.0
1.1
2007
104
109
0.42
0.51
18.4
N/A
29.1
29.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.1
16.5
4.2
1.7
2006
104
86
0.36
0.50
18.5
N/A
29.2
30.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
13.0
5.1
1.3
2005
105
78
0.55
0.47
18.3
N/A
28.4
32.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.9
4.5
2.8
2004
83
51
0.45
0.44
11.6
N/A
26.2
30.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.0
1.5
2003
99
50
0.41
0.43
10.9
N/A
28.0
26.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
0.7
2002
100
48
0.40
0.38
8.9
N/A
27.0
27.6
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
1.1
2001
88
39
0.52
0.35
7.9
N/A
27.0
25.0
0.038
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
0.4
2000
102
44
0.75
0.50
8.8
N/A
29.2
26.1
0.049
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.2
0.5
Natural disasters
Type
Kansas City
Omaha
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
200.4%
191.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
598.9%
415.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
24%
21%
Transportation
Kansas City offers a bus system, bike-sharing, and a commuter rail system. Omaha, has a bus system, bike-sharing options, and a growing ethos towards urban walkability, especially in downtown areas.
Transport
Type
Kansas City
Omaha
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
0
405
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
24
Means of transportation to work
Type
Kansas City
Omaha
Bicycle
0.4%
0.2%
Bus
1.5%
0.7%
Carpooled
8.7%
8.2%
Car alone
86.8%
87.8%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
1.3%
2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Kansas City
Omaha
Average
25.5 min
22.5 min
Other means
21.7 min
18.8 min
Public transportation
38.9 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Kansas City
Omaha
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
89.4%
90.4%
In 2 person carpool
8%
6.9%
In 3 person carpool
2.1%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.3%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Kansas City tends to be pricier than Omaha due to the city's larger size and population, though affordable options can be found in both cities, particularly in the suburbs or less populous districts.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer vibrant neighborhoods with unique characteristics. Kansas City's Westport is famous for its entertainment and nightlife, while Omaha's Old Market district offers eclectic shops and restaurants.
Houses and residents
Type
Kansas City
Omaha
Houses
243,950
212,802
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.5
Median year apartment built
1975
1976
Median year house/condo built
1967
1970
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12 years
13.3 years
Houses occupied
219,020 (89.8%)
201,469 (94.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
118,384 (54.1%)
117,404 (58.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
100,636 (45.9%)
84,065 (41.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$933.71
$892.09
Median monthly housing costs
$1,092
$1,119
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$71,644
$261,376
Estimated median house or condo value
$213,400
$211,900
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
7.1
Median house price - detached houses
$250,072
$249,098
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$212,485
$191,723
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$147,015
$100,661
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$274,597
$319,464
Median house price - mobile homes
$19,650
$35,876
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$203,232
$186,544
Median house price - All housing units
$247,285
$246,177
Median house age
52
49
Renting percentage
43.8%
41.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
778
1,839.2
House value disparities
36%
33.1%
Household income disparities
43.9%
45.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,255
$98,149
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$64,961
$71,454
Housing units without a mortgage
1,566 (2%)
2,417 (2.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
5,650 (7.2%)
7,375 (8.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
77,422 (98%)
80,503 (97.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
403 (0.5%)
335 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
6,848 (8.7%)
9,200 (11.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.8%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2.2%
0.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Kansas City
Omaha
One, detached
60.7%
63.2%
One, attached
3.9%
3.9%
Two
3.1%
1.5%
3 or 4
4.4%
2.2%
5 to 9
5.8%
6.8%
10 to 19
6.2%
8.3%
20 to 49
5.8%
5.3%
50 or more
9.3%
8.1%
Mobile homes
0.6%
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
13,035
11,886
State government workers
6,835
7,835
Unpaid family workers
197
205
Industries and Occupations
Kansas City is known for its strong healthcare, education, and government sectors. Omaha, meanwhile, has a diverse range of industries, including insurance, healthcare, and education. Both cities have significant service industry presence, catering to both residents and tourists.
Both cities are home to several acclaimed hospitals. For instance, Kansas City houses the University of Kansas Hospital, and Omaha hosts the Nebraska Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Kansas City
Omaha
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Kansas City has invested heavily in public infrastructure, including a modern streetcar system and refreshed airport. Omaha, meanwhile, is well-known for its well-maintained roads and bridges.
Infrastructure
Type
Kansas City
Omaha
Hospitals
30
23
TV stations
14
19
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
140
183
Bank institutions located here
41
31
Main business address for public companies
27
30
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
0
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Kansas City
Omaha
1999
1,565
1,177
2000
1,758
545
2001
1,494
390
2002
1,380
441
2003
1,975
747
2004
3,011
1,022
2005
3,470
1,055
2006
3,499
1,083
2007
2,228
646
2008
742
318
2009
447
220
Culture and Food
Kansas City is famous for its jazz music and barbecue cuisine and Omaha is home to the College World Series and stakes its claim as a city of steaks. Both cities have rich histories and cultural attractions, appealing to residents and tourists.
Sports Teams
Kansas City is home to the Chiefs (NFL), Royals (MLB), and Sporting KC (MLS), while Omaha has no major league sports teams but hosts the College World Series.
Kansas City, MO
Omaha, NE
Kansas City, MO and 
Omaha, NE : 169.4 miles
