Spread across more than 130 square miles along the Missouri River, Omaha is Nebraska’s largest city and has grown into a genuine destination for renters who want a full calendar at an affordable price. The cost of living in Omaha is 10% below the national average, with housing costs almost 20% lower, making it one of the more renter-friendly cities in the Midwest.
If you’re looking to rent an apartment in Omaha, there are plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to rent in Omaha based on the following factors:
- Rental availability
- Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
- Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
- Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards
The five best neighborhoods in Omaha for renters are:
Old Market
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Omaha: $1,102/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Old Market: $1,495/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Old Market: 1,013 square feet
Why Old Market is good for renters
The Old Market district in Omaha is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has no shortage of restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and bars to discover. Old Market is very walkable and proximity to Downtown Omaha puts jobs, entertainment, and even more nightlife within reach of renters. Luxury apartments with modern amenities and historic brick loft-style apartments are a couple of housing options awaiting renters in one of Omaha’s historic districts.
|
Very Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Moderately Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
80Old Market has a walkability score of 80 out of 100 |
40Old Market has a transit score of 40 out of 100 |
70Old Market has a drivability score of 70 out of 100 |
60Old Market has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Old Market is one of Omaha’s busiest entertainment sectors, so noise levels and parking are factors to consider before renting in the heart of the district.
Blackstone
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Omaha: $1,102/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Blackstone: $1,239/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Blackstone: 717 square feet
Why Blackstone is good for renters
The Blackstone District in Omaha is the birthplace of the Rueben Sandwich and home to several famous breweries like Farnam House Brewing and Huber Haus. Besides great food and drinks, Blackstone is a highly walkable neighborhood that places renters just outside of Downtown and Midtown Omaha. Historic and trendy apartments are available in this neighborhood and provide renters with a range of options to choose from.
|
Very Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Fairly Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
80Blackstone has a walkability score of 80 out of 100 |
40Blackstone has a transit score of 40 out of 100 |
50Blackstone has a drivability score of 50 out of 100 |
50Blackstone has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Parking can be competitive on evenings and weekends, and some older buildings in the district may have older amenities than new apartment communities in the area.
Midtown
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Omaha: $1,102/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Midtown: $1,112/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Midtown: 631 square feet
Why Midtown is good for renters
Midtown sits at a convenient crossroads between Downtown Omaha and the western suburbs, making it a practical base for renters who commute in multiple directions. Proximity to the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO) and the University of Nebraska Medical Center make Midtown the perfect neighborhood for students and faculty members. A mix of housing styles within a range of prices make Midtown perfect for any renter.
|
Very Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Moderately Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
80Midtown has a walkability score of 80 out of 100 |
30Midtown has a transit score of 30 out of 100 |
70Midtown has a drivability score of 70 out of 100 |
50Midtown has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Midtown covers a broad stretch of the city, so living experience can vary block by block.
Aksarben-Elmwood Park
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Omaha: $1,102/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Aksarben-Elmwood Park: $1,438/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Aksarben-Elmwood Park: 752 square feet
Why Aksarben-Elmwood Park is good for renters
Aksarben-Elmwood Park is home to some of Omaha’s long-standing buildings and old neighborhoods. Aksarben (Nebraska spelled backwards) hosts some of the city’s most prominent organizations, while Elmwood Park is the oldest park in the region. Modern amenities combined with charming historical homes give renters multiple housing options to choose from. With proximity to the University of Nebraska-Omaha, major employers, and Downtown Omaha, residents of Aksarben-Elmwood Park are always close to the action.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Moderately Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
70Aksarben-Elmwood Park has a walkability score of 70 out of 100 |
30Aksarben-Elmwood Park has a transit score of 30 out of 100 |
70Aksarben-Elmwood Park has a drivability score of 70 out of 100 |
50Aksarben-Elmwood Park has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Higher demand and popularity near Aksarben Village can mean higher rent prices in these concentrated areas.
Dodge Street Corridor
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Omaha: $1,102/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Dodge Street Corridor: $1,164/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Dodge Street Corridor: 663 square feet
Why Dodge Street Corridor is good for renters
Dodge Street Corridor is a quaint community located around three miles away from Downtown Omaha. Grocery stores, national retailers, and chain restaurants are easily accessible thanks to the neighborhood’s high walk score. UNO and UNO Medical Center are only two miles away, drawing student renters to the area. Rentals in the area range from affordable townhomes to modern upscale apartments.
|
Very Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Moderately Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
80Dodge Street Corridor has a walkability score of 80 out of 100 |
30Dodge Street Corridor has a transit score of 30 out of 100 |
70Dodge Street Corridor has a drivability score of 70 out of 100 |
50Dodge Street Corridor has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Traffic can be heavy along Dodge Street, and the area is more car-dependent than other neighborhoods.
Ready to Make the Move
If Omaha has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find the perfect place. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan.
Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.
Methodology
Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.
FAQs
Is Omaha a good place to live?
Omaha consistently ranks as one of the most livable mid-sized cities in the country. With a cost of living roughly 10% below the national average, a strong job market anchored by several Fortune 500 companies, and a growing food and arts scene, the city offers genuine quality of life at an affordable price point.
Is Omaha an expensive place to live?
The cost of living in Omaha is 10.2% lower than the national average, making it more affordable than many other big cities. On average, rentals in Omaha are 33% lower than the national average, and groceries, utilities, and transportation are all less expensive than the national average.
If you're on a tight budget, there are plenty of affordable neighborhoods in Omaha to start your search.
What's the average rent in Omaha?
The average rent in Omaha is $1,102/month as of April 2026. This is 33% lower than the national average rent of $1,639/month.
What salary do you need to live in Omaha?
According to our cost of living data, a comfortable salary for a single adult with no dependents to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and goods and services in Omaha would be around $72,000 before taxes.
