Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Omaha, NE
Relocating 700 mi from Ann Arbor to Omaha is a 12h 57m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
700 mi Β· 12h 57m by car Β· NE β IA β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 94, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Expect about 8.9% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Omaha at 91.911 vs Ann Arbor at 100.88.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 8.9% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $523,391 to $294,189 moving to Omaha.
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Ann Arbor (48.2Β°F) and Omaha (51.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.44 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 8.9% lower in Omaha than Ann Arbor.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Omaha MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 58,590 | $42,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 45,020 | $30,130 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 43,680 | $35,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 41,730 | $39,370 |
| Management Occupations | 37,950 | $104,990 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan and Nebraska
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nebraska's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornado season peaks May through July β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Nebraska after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Omaha more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 8.9% lower than Ann Arbor (91.911 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Omaha, NE from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 700 mi and the route typically takes 12h 57m via I 80 and I 94. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor β a 10.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 700 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Omaha compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 483,970 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Omaha compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor β a 43.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI Β· Omaha, NE.