Seattle, Washington, and Omaha, Nebraska, are two major US cities with unique charm and distinct lifestyle offerings. The coastal city of Seattle is known for its tech-driven economy, cultural vibrancy, and picturesque landscapes. In contrast, the heartland city of Omaha boasts a low cost of living, robust healthcare industry, and a warm, community-oriented atmosphere. This comparison examines various sections such as safety, cost of living, education, and more to give a comprehensive view of what it's like to live or visit in either city.
Distance between
Seattle, WA and
Omaha, NE : 1,362.9 miles
Seattle's population is larger by 51%. Its population has grown by 170,545 people (30.3%) since 2000. The population of Omaha has grown by 97,293 people (24.9%) during that time.
Seattle, being a larger city, has a higher crime rate compared to Omaha. However, crime is generally concentrated in certain areas and the city's safer neighborhoods have crime rates comparable to the national average. Omaha, on the other hand, also has neighborhoods with higher crime rates, but overall, the city is considered safer.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 595 registered sex offenders living in Seattle and 1,388 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Seattle is 1,184 to 1; the ratio in Omaha is 322 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Seattle than in Omaha.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Seattle is significantly higher than in Omaha. This is particularly evident in housing costs. Omaha is known for its affordable housing and overall lower living costs, making it an attractive destination especially for families and retirees.
Income Tax
Washington State, where Seattle is located, does not impose a state income tax, offering a significant advantage to residents. On the other hand, Nebraska does impose a state income tax, which can range from 2.46% to 6.84% based on residents' income level.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Seattle are high compared to national averages, reflecting the city's high property values. In contrast, Omaha has lower property tax rates, reflecting its more affordable real estate.
Sales Tax
Seattle has a relatively high combined city and state sales tax at approximately 10.1%, whereas Omaha's is significantly lower at approximately 7.0%.
Income
Type
Seattle
Omaha
Estimated median household income
$110,781
$62,948
Estimated per capita income
$74,733
$38,062
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
118.5
89.4
If you make $50,000 in Omaha, you will have to make $66,275 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Seattle is known for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, forests, and coasts. Omaha is located in the heartland of America, featuring rolling plains and the beautiful Missouri River.
Both Seattle and Omaha offer quality education. Seattle is home to the acclaimed University of Washington and many other institutions. Omaha's strong public school system is complemented by several reputable colleges including Creighton University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Seattle's economy is driven by a mix of older industrial companies and "new economy" Internet and technology companies like Amazon. Omaha's economy is diverse, with significant sectors in banking, telecommunications, and healthcare.
Biggest Employers
In Seattle, the biggest employers include Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks. Omaha is home to several Fortune 500 companies including Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific Railroad, and Mutual of Omaha.
There were 264 building permits issued in Seattle in 2012 (52 less than in 2011) compared to 1,620 building permits issued in Omaha in 2012 (460 more than in 2011).
In Seattle (King County), 69.0% voted for Democrats and 28.5% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Omaha (Douglas County), 47.5% voted for Democrats and 50.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Seattle
Omaha
Seattle
Omaha
Seattle
Omaha
2020
75.1%
54.4%
22.3%
43.1%
2.6%
2.5%
2016
70.0%
47.3%
21.1%
45.0%
8.9%
7.7%
2012
69.0%
47.5%
28.5%
50.6%
2.5%
1.9%
2008
70.2%
51.7%
28.1%
47.0%
1.7%
1.3%
2004
65.1%
40.4%
33.8%
58.6%
1.1%
1.0%
2000
60.3%
40.1%
34.5%
55.2%
5.2%
4.7%
1996
56.4%
39.3%
31.4%
51.4%
12.2%
9.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Seattle
Omaha
Seattle
Omaha
CATHOLIC CHURCH
14.4%
24.0%
4.9%
11.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.3%
4.1%
4.7%
6.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.5%
2.4%
1.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
0.5%
2.9%
2.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.6%
0.9%
1.4%
0.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.6%
0.3%
2.3%
1.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
2.5%
2.0%
4.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.3%
1.5%
3.8%
5.2%
SALVATION ARMY
0.1%
0.4%
0.3%
0.9%
Weather
Seattle has a temperate maritime climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. It's known for its frequent rain, although it generally receives less annual rainfall than many major East Coast cities. Omaha experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, complemented by significant rainfall throughout the year.
Weather and climate
Type
Seattle
Omaha
Temperature - Average
52.5°F
50.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
78.5%
75.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
38%
35%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
36.6 in
30 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
21.4 in
57.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
11.6%
18.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.4%
66.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
44%
27%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
20%
47%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
10.8 mph
Average climate in Seattle, Washington
Average climate in Omaha, Nebraska
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Seattle
Omaha
Seattle
Omaha
Seattle
Seattle
Omaha
Seattle
Omaha
Seattle
Omaha
Seattle
Omaha
Seattle
Omaha
2018
82
75
0.21
0.18
10.6
N/A
20.7
26.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.3
8.3
8.4
0.7
0.5
2017
92
76
0.23
0.19
11.1
N/A
21.0
26.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.6
8.8
9.6
0.3
0.9
2016
67
80
0.22
0.18
11.9
N/A
20.3
26.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.3
6.6
8.1
0.6
0.7
2015
81
79
0.23
0.20
10.8
N/A
19.3
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.3
8.5
9.3
0.8
0.9
2014
75
80
0.24
0.23
11.5
N/A
19.5
27.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.5
7.4
8.8
N/A
1.2
2013
81
79
0.24
0.20
N/A
N/A
17.4
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.9
9.1
9.3
0.8
1.4
2012
77
100
0.23
0.21
N/A
N/A
19.5
27.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
39.0
7.7
8.4
1.0
1.6
2011
72
96
0.24
0.21
N/A
N/A
18.6
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
32.9
7.5
9.2
1.1
1.6
2010
71
102
0.24
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
43.2
6.7
10.5
1.1
2.1
2009
94
73
0.27
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.7
24.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.7
8.0
N/A
1.4
1.8
2008
80
104
0.30
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.8
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
45.0
6.5
18.9
1.3
1.1
2007
83
109
0.30
0.51
N/A
N/A
18.2
29.0
N/A
N/A
20.3
N/A
7.9
16.5
1.5
1.7
2006
98
86
N/A
0.50
N/A
N/A
18.3
30.0
N/A
N/A
22.6
N/A
8.7
13.0
N/A
1.3
2005
101
78
0.80
0.47
18.3
N/A
N/A
32.8
N/A
N/A
24.5
N/A
9.5
12.9
3.5
2.8
2004
102
51
0.81
0.44
17.9
N/A
N/A
30.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.3
N/A
3.0
1.5
2003
91
50
0.78
0.43
18.5
N/A
N/A
26.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
N/A
2.4
0.7
2002
87
48
0.82
0.38
19.3
N/A
N/A
27.6
N/A
0.030
N/A
N/A
11.7
N/A
2.7
1.1
2001
88
39
0.90
0.35
20.7
N/A
N/A
25.0
0.005
0.038
N/A
N/A
12.3
N/A
3.7
0.4
2000
98
44
1.06
0.50
20.9
N/A
N/A
26.1
N/A
0.049
N/A
N/A
13.3
N/A
3.2
0.5
Natural disasters
Type
Seattle
Omaha
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
5.5%
191.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
1,394.2%
415.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
30%
21%
Transportation
Seattle boasts an extensive public transit network that includes buses, light rail, and ferries, whereas Omaha primarily relies on buses and cars, with ongoing development in bike lanes and shared mobility options.
Transport
Type
Seattle
Omaha
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
405
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
24
Means of transportation to work
Type
Seattle
Omaha
Bicycle
2.1%
0.2%
Bus
8.9%
0.7%
Carpooled
8.7%
8.2%
Car alone
67.8%
87.8%
Ferryboat
0.7%
0%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Railroad
1.2%
0%
Streetcar
0.3%
0%
Subway
0.6%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
8%
2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Seattle
Omaha
Average
35 min
22.5 min
Other means
23.5 min
18.8 min
Public transportation
35.6 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Seattle
Omaha
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
89%
90.4%
In 2 person carpool
8.7%
6.9%
In 3 person carpool
0.8%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.2%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
1.1%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Seattle's real estate is highly valuable, reflecting the city's economic prosperity and desirability. Omaha offers affordable real estate, making home ownership more achievable for many residents.
Neighborhoods
Seattle offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique culture and charm. In Omaha, neighborhoods are known for their strong sense of community and family-friendly environments.
Houses and residents
Type
Seattle
Omaha
Houses
384,799
212,802
Average household size (people)
2.1
2.5
Median year apartment built
1987
1976
Median year house/condo built
1955
1970
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.4 years
13.3 years
Houses occupied
351,650 (91.4%)
201,469 (94.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
161,587 (46%)
117,404 (58.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
190,063 (54%)
84,065 (41.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,780
$892.09
Median monthly housing costs
$1,984
$1,119
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$860,506
$261,376
Estimated median house or condo value
$848,100
$211,900
Median numbers of rooms
4.1
5.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
3
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
7.1
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$249,098
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$764,579
$191,723
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$719,049
$100,661
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$626,370
$319,464
Median house price - mobile homes
$226,727
$35,876
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$925,507
$186,544
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$246,177
Median house age
47
49
Renting percentage
51.9%
41.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
4,587.9
1,839.2
House value disparities
20.6%
33.1%
Household income disparities
42.2%
45.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$189,767
$98,149
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$112,771
$71,454
Housing units without a mortgage
2,459 (2.1%)
2,417 (2.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,354 (10.5%)
7,375 (8.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
115,481 (97.9%)
80,503 (97.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
240 (0.2%)
335 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,881 (11.8%)
9,200 (11.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.2%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.4%
0.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Seattle
Omaha
One, detached
39.6%
63.2%
One, attached
6.0%
3.9%
Two
2.0%
1.5%
3 or 4
3.2%
2.2%
5 to 9
5.7%
6.8%
10 to 19
7.0%
8.3%
20 to 49
11.9%
5.3%
50 or more
24.4%
8.1%
Mobile homes
0.1%
0.6%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
24,994
11,886
State government workers
27,235
7,835
Unpaid family workers
947
205
Industries and Occupations
Seattle has a strong job market driven by the tech industry, with many residents working in professional, science, and technical services. Omaha's top industries include healthcare, finance, and education, providing a range of occupational opportunities.
Both cities have access to quality healthcare. Seattle is a leading healthcare research hub with top-rated hospitals. Omaha has excellent healthcare facilities, including the nationally recognized Nebraska Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Seattle
Omaha
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Seattle is known for its advanced urban infrastructure that includes a tech-integrated public transit system and extensive bike lanes. Omaha's infrastructure is smaller in scale but is well-maintained and efficient, with ongoing investments in public transportation and urban development.
Infrastructure
Type
Seattle
Omaha
Hospitals
22
23
TV stations
17
19
Arenas or stadiums
5
2
Bank branches located here
236
183
Bank institutions located here
37
31
Main business address for public companies
54
30
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
3
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Seattle
Omaha
1999
1,357
1,177
2000
1,148
545
2001
890
390
2002
840
441
2003
1,421
747
2004
1,810
1,022
2005
2,341
1,055
2006
2,789
1,083
2007
2,273
646
2008
1,113
318
2009
748
220
Culture and Food
Seattle is renowned for its thriving arts scene, rich cultural diversity, and world-class dining, featuring fresh seafood and locally-sourced cuisine. Omaha has a growing food scene and is known for its hearty Midwest cuisine and burgeoning craft beer industry.
Sports Teams
Seattle is home to successful pro sports teams like the Seahawks (NFL), Sounders (MLS), and Mariners (MLB). Omaha doesn't have professional sports teams but is known for hosting the College World Series for baseball.
Seattle, WA
Omaha, NE
