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Omaha, NE BAH Rates, Housing, Education, & Cost of Living

Discover Omaha BAH Rates, Housing, Education, & Cost of Living

Find housing, employment, cost-of-living, and BAH rates for Omaha, NE. Listed below are BAH Rates, college and universities, cost-of-living information, school resources for children of military families, and things to see and do in the Omaha area. 

Some of the military installations in Nebraska include: 

• Offutt AFB
• U.S. Army Reserve Center, Lincoln

Omaha & Offutt AFB, NE BAH Rates

Paygrade	With	Without
E1	$ 1,887	$ 1,425
E2	$ 1,887	$ 1,425
E3	$ 1,887	$ 1,425
E4	$ 1,887	$ 1,425
E5	$ 2,085	$ 1,587
E6	$ 2,376	$ 1,779
E7	$ 2,457	$ 1,893
E8	$ 2,547	$ 2,148
E9	$ 2,706	$ 2,229
W1	$ 2,394	$ 1,827
W2	$ 2,493	$ 2,145
W3	$ 2,604	$ 2,241
W4	$ 2,742	$ 2,388
W5	$ 2,913	$ 2,475
O1e	$ 2,472	$ 2,082
O2e	$ 2,586	$ 2,211
O3e	$ 2,769	$ 2,367
O1	$ 2,127	$ 1,683
O2	$ 2,373	$ 2,022
O3	$ 2,601	$ 2,268
O4	$ 2,967	$ 2,454
O5	$ 3,231	$ 2,502
O6	$ 3,258	$ 2,583
O7	$ 3,279	$ 2,625

 

Updated with the 2026 BAH data.

 

Local Colleges and Universities

Omaha is home to several colleges and universities. Below is a partial list. 

• University of Nebraska Omaha (zip code – 68182)
• Creighton University (zip code – 68178)
• Clarkson College (zip code – 68131)
• College of St. Mary (zip code – 68106)
• Nebraska Methodist College (zip code – 68114)

To find more Omaha schools, use the free CollegeRecon School Finder tool.

Cost of Living in Omaha

According to Bestplaces, the cost of living in Omaha has an index of 90.8, which is 9.2 points below the national average and 3.4 percent below the average for Nebraska. Groceries and utilities are the highest cost-of-living category, but Omaha remains a very affordable city to live in, particularly for housing. 

Category/Index 

• Overall – 90.8
• Housing – 82.2
• Groceries – 96.6
• Transportation – 81.7 
• Utilities – 98.6

Other categories to consider

• Healthcare
• Childcare
• Taxes 

Omaha Housing

Understanding the housing landscape is one of the most important factors when deciding where to live. Omaha is one of the most affordable cities to live in the Midwest. If you are considering moving to Omaha, the most affordable and safe neighborhoods include:

• Aksarben-Elmwood Park – $952
• Dundee – $772
• West Omaha – $932

Other popular neighborhoods include Bellevue, Downtown Omaha, the Westside Area, and Northwest Omaha. These neighborhoods are highly rated for their safety, affordability, and access to family-friendly activities.

According to Realtor.com, the average sale price of a home in Omaha as of November 2023 is approximately $280,000. The real estate market is currently balanced, meaning that supply and demand for homes are roughly equal.

Primary Education

For families with school-age children, living in an area with high-quality primary schools is essential, as it can affect children’s educational outcomes. Even for families without children, the quality of schools in the area can affect housing prices. The Omaha area is home to many top-rated primary schools and school districts. According to Greatschools.org, some of the best primary schools include:

• Sunset Hills Elementary School
• Oakdale Elementary School 
• Prairie Lane Elementary School
• Hitchcock Elementary School 
• Meadows Elementary School 

In Omaha, children who reside on Offutt Air Force Base attend Bellevue Public Schools, which includes 15 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 2 high schools. Other school districts in the area include Papillion-Lavista School District, Omaha Public Schools, Plattsmouth Community Schools, Ralston Public Schools, Westside Community Schools, and Millard Public Schools. 

Employment Opportunities

Omaha boasts a strong business landscape and steady economic growth, making it an optimal place to access employment opportunities. The city is home to four Fortune 500 companies, including Mutual of Omaha, Union Pacific Corporation, Berkshire Hathaway, and Kiewit Corporation. According to the Greater Omaha Chamber, the top industries in the city include:

• Finance & Insurance
• Healthcare & Social Assistance
• Information Technology 
• Transportation & Warehousing 
• Manufacturing

According to the Nebraska Department of Labor, the unemployment rate as of November 2023 is 2.3%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 3.7%. 

>> To find organizations seeking to recruit and place military, veterans and spouses, please visit CareerRecon.

Things to See and Do in Omaha

Omaha is the most populous city in Nebraska and a major city in the Midwestern United States. It is historically known as a transportation and trade hub for its location on the Missouri River and in the flat valley of the Platte. Omaha offers many enjoyable activities related to its historic role as the gateway to the West.  

• Visit the Old Market, one of Omaha’s oldest and most historic areas, to discover its abundant art galleries, shopping, cafes, and fine dining.
• Stop by Union Station, a historic train station that was restored and turned into a cultural center. Not only is it a great representation of the Art Deco style, but it also holds galleries, cafes, and the Durham Museum.
• Find yourself in two states at once by visiting the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which is lovingly referred to by locals as Bob the Bridge. This bridge that spans the Missouri River connects Omaha, Nebraska, with Council Bluffs, Iowa.
• Enjoy the outdoors at Lauritzen Gardens, a botanical garden and conservatory showcasing plants that thrive year-round. Some highlights include a Victorian rose and herb garden, a Japanese park, and a bird sanctuary.
• Have a day of family fun at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. This wonder of Omaha features unique habitats from all over the globe, including an orangutan forest, sea lion shores, African grasslands, desert dome, and more!