Moving from Meridian, ID to Omaha, NE
Relocating 1233 mi from Meridian to Omaha is a 20h 26m drive through 4 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.
1233 mi Β· 20h 26m by car Β· NE β WY β UT β ID
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β WY β UT β ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 680 |
| Major cities en route | Lincoln, Salt Lake City, Boise City, Nampa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Meridian | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.6% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Omaha at 91.911 vs Meridian at 98.391.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.6% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $526,994 to $294,189 moving to Omaha.
YoY change: Meridian 0.0%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Meridian | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Meridian (53.2Β°F) and Omaha (51.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Meridian | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,865 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $98,686 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.3% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.44 |
Expect median household income to fall 6.6% β $98,686 β $72,708 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
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 Idaho 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
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
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
How does household income compare in Meridian vs Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $98,686 in Meridian β a 26.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Omaha compare to Meridian?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $45,320 in the Meridian MSA, on total employment of 483,970 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Omaha, NE from Meridian, ID?
The driving distance is 1233 mi and the route typically takes 20h 26m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Omaha compared to Meridian?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $526,994 in Meridian β a 44.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Meridian to Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1233 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Omaha more expensive than Meridian?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 6.6% lower than Meridian (91.911 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Meridian.
City profiles: Meridian, ID Β· Omaha, NE.