Omaha ranked #3 on CoworkingCafe’s third annual ranking of the “Best U.S. Cities for Work, Life and Mental Health Balance,” which analyzed 100 major cities across metrics like work hours, remote flexibility, commute times, healthcare access, affordability, green space and more.
The top two cities were both in Minnesota as Minneapolis ranked number one and St. Paul came in second. Nebraska was well represented as both Omaha and Lincoln made the top 10. Here’s the complete list:
1. Minneapolis
2. St. Paul, Minn.
3. Omaha
4. Raleigh, N.C.
5. Boise, Idaho
6. Lincoln
7. Irvine, Calif.
8. Chesapeake, Va.
9. Lexington, Ky.
10. Madison, Wis.
Here’s what the CoworkingCafe report had to say about Omaha:
Continuing the streak of Midwestern cities, Omaha, NE, takes third spot after an impressive jump from last year’s ninth position. What’s fueling its momentum? A powerful combination of affordability and livability. With a 91.9 cost of living index and a median household income just over $72,700, Omaha offers residents more financial breathing room than many peer cities. The city also boasts one of the shortest average commute times in the top 10 at just 19.6 minutes, giving workers back valuable time each day.
While the share of remote workers remains modest at 13.6%, Omaha makes up for it with a well-rounded offering: decent green space (about 21 acres per 1,000 residents), strong recreational access and a relatively high recreational amenities score. While it trails others on mental health metrics, Omaha’s steady rise signals a city that’s becoming increasingly attractive for professionals seeking balance without breaking the bank.
The bullet points below indicate how Omaha performed in 2025:
• Omaha ranks #3 nationwide for work-life and mental health balance in 2025, up from #9 in 2024, with a total score of 77.2 out of 100 — one of the biggest year-over-year improvements
• Commute times are a major advantage, averaging just 19.6 minutes, making Omaha the 8th fastest city for getting to work
• Affordability is also a strength for Omaha, ranking #9 nationwide, supported by a median household income of $72,708 (up from $70,202 in 2024) and a cost-of-living index of 91.9 (#13 nationwide)
• Omaha ranks #24 nationally for overall mental health, with a score of 77/100, driven by: 13 recreational amenities per 10,000 residents (#17); Green space access of 20.9 acres per 1,000 residents (#30); A good air quality score of 50, an improvement from 58.4 last year (#31); An average workweek of 38.6 hours (#47); Health insurance coverage at 90.3% (#53); Remote work adoption stands at 13.6%, up from 11% in 2024
The full study with expert commentary and interactive visuals is available HERE.
Photo by Brad Williams
