Moving from Kansas City, MO to Omaha, NE
The 190 mi from Kansas City to Omaha translate to about 3h 37m 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.
190 mi Β· 3h 37m by car Β· MO β IA β NE
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IA β NE |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 29, US 71, US 59 |
| Major cities en route | Independence, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Olathe, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Kansas City (92.543) and Omaha (91.911) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Omaha at $294,189 is 0.7% above Kansas City at $250,208.
YoY change: Kansas City +0.8%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kansas City | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | β |
Climate cools by 5.6Β°F on the annual average β 56.9Β°F β 51.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,233 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $67,449 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.44 |
Income steps up 0.7%: $67,449 in Kansas City vs $72,708 in Omaha.
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 Missouri 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.
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 Kansas City vs Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $67,449 in Kansas City β a 7.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Omaha compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA, on total employment of 483,970 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 190 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 Kansas City, MO?
The driving distance is 190 mi and the route typically takes 3h 37m via I 29 and US 71. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Omaha compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $250,208 in Kansas City β a 17.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Omaha more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 0.7% lower than Kansas City (91.911 vs 92.543, 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 Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, MO Β· Omaha, NE.