Moving from Omaha, NE to Denver, CO
Relocating 532 mi from Omaha to Denver is a 9h 6m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
532 mi Β· 9h 6m by car Β· CO β NE
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β NE |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Centennial, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Omaha | Denver | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.911 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.378 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.063 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.404 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Denver runs about 15.1% more expensive overall than Omaha β RPP 91.911 β 105.782.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $294,189 in Omaha to $539,666 in Denver, a 15.1% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Omaha +1.2%, Denver -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Omaha | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 49.0" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 15.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 51.3Β°F vs 51.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Denver sees 49.0 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OMAHA #1, NE US, DENVER-STAPLETON, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Omaha | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 488,197 | 713,734 |
| Median household income | $72,708 | $91,681 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.6% | 33.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.17 |
Expect median household income to rise 15.1% β $72,708 β $91,681 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Denver MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Denver averages 49.0 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Denver average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Denver more expensive than Omaha?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Denver is 15.1% higher than Omaha (105.782 vs 91.911, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Denver compared to Omaha?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $539,666 in Denver vs $294,189 in Omaha β a 83.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Denver compare to Omaha?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Denver MSA vs $47,580 in the Omaha MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 483,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Omaha to Denver?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 532 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Denver, CO from Omaha, NE?
The driving distance is 532 mi and the route typically takes 9h 6m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Omaha vs Denver?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,681 in Denver vs $72,708 in Omaha β a 26.1% higher 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 Omaha.
City profiles: Omaha, NE Β· Denver, CO.