Moving from Rochester, MN to Omaha, NE
Relocating between Rochester, MN and Omaha, NE is a 351 mi drive β 6h 30m 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.
351 mi Β· 6h 30m by car Β· NE β IA β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 80, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 90.821 vs 91.911 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 1.2% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rochester | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | β |
Expect 6.5Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.44 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.2% lower in Omaha than Rochester.
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 Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $339,455 in Rochester β a 13.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Omaha, NE from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 351 mi and the route typically takes 6h 30m 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 Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 483,970 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 351 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $87,767 in Rochester β a 17.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Omaha more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 1.2% higher than Rochester (91.911 vs 90.821, 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 Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN Β· Omaha, NE.