Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Omaha, NE
Relocating between Minneapolis, MN and Omaha, NE is a 385 mi drive β 7h 5m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
385 mi Β· 7h 5m by car Β· NE β IA β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 80, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, St Paul |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 12.3% cheaper overall in Omaha than Minneapolis on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 12.3% under Minneapolis β $330,882 β $294,189 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | β |
Expect 5.5Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 33 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.44 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 12.3% lower in Omaha than Minneapolis.
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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
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 much do homes cost in Omaha compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 11.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Omaha more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 12.3% lower than Minneapolis (91.911 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 385 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Omaha, NE from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 385 mi and the route typically takes 7h 5m via I 35 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Omaha compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 483,970 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 9.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Omaha, NE.