Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A physical therapist in Omaha earns roughly $84,754/yr (~$4,839/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,050/mo — that's 22% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
NE · 2026
Can a Physical Therapist Afford to Live in Omaha?
Using local salary estimates and Omaha's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a physical therapist in Omaha, NE in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$84,754/yr local estimate
$7,063
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
Up to 5.84% state income tax
-$2,224
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$4,839
1BR rent
22% of take-home
-$1,050
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$145
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$330
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$2,964
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physical therapist in Omaha could save roughly $14,232/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 22% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 22% of take-home pay, a physical therapist in Omaha is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $84,754/yr — adjusted from the national Physical Therapist median of $99,710/yr based on Omaha's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Omaha for a Physical Therapist
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Old Market
Cobblestone streets, most walkable area, restaurants and bars, galleries; 1BR $1,100–1,500
Dundee
Historic bungalows, independent coffee shops, walkable, established; 1BR $1,000–1,400
Midtown Crossing
Mixed-use development, walkable, Joslyn Museum adjacent, newer; 1BR $1,100–1,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physical Therapist in Omaha?
A Physical Therapist in Omaha earns approximately $84,754 per year, based on the national BLS median of $99,710/yr adjusted for Omaha's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Omaha affordable for a physical therapist in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 22% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A physical therapist can live comfortably in Omaha with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Physical Therapist get in Omaha?
After federal taxes, Up to 5.84% state income tax, and FICA, a Physical Therapist earning $84,754/yr takes home roughly $4,839/month in Omaha.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physical Therapist in Omaha?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Omaha costs a median of $1,050/month. On a Physical Therapist salary, that's 22% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.