Moving from St. Paul, MN to Omaha, NE
The 387 mi from St. Paul to Omaha translate to about 7h 7m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
387 mi Β· 7h 7m by car Β· NE β IA β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 80, I 35E |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Minneapolis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Paul | 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 |
RPP moves from 104.822 to 91.911, putting Omaha roughly 12.3% below St. Paul on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Paul β, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Paul | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 29.2" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Paul | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,762 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $73,055 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.44 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 387 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 St. Paul?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $54,850 in the St. Paul 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.
Is Omaha more expensive than St. Paul?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 12.3% lower than St. Paul (91.911 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in St. Paul vs Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $73,055 in St. Paul β a 0.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Omaha, NE from St. Paul, MN?
The driving distance is 387 mi and the route typically takes 7h 7m via I 35 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Paul.
City profiles: St. Paul, MN Β· Omaha, NE.