Cost of Living in Nebraska [2025]
When you want a peaceful life in the tranquil countryside, rolling plans, and vibrant expansive plains, Nebraska could be your ideal destination. The Cornhusker State is known for its rich agricultural roots, friendly communities, and a way of life that balances nature with modern living.
There's even more good news for renters. The cost of living in Nebraska is significantly lower than the national average and offers residents more financial stability across various living expenses, from housing to food. Let’s take a look at everything Nebraska has to offer to help you make an informed decision on your move.
Cost of Living in Nebraska
What Is the Cost of Living in Nebraska?
If you're looking for an affordable lifestyle, Nebraska delivers. According to Sperling Best Places, the cost of living in Nebraska is currently 12.2% lower than the U.S. average, which impressively low housing costs. Here's a look at how the cost of living categories break down.
| Cost of Living | Nebraska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 87.8 | 100 |
| Grocery | 94.9 | 100 |
| Health | 131.3 | 100 |
| Housing | 70.3 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $228,100 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 95.0 | 100 |
| Transportation | 76.1 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 114.3 | 100 |
Except for miscellaneous costs and healthcare, every other cost of living category in Nebraska falls below the national average.
Where is the Cost of Living Highest in Nebraska?
If you're aiming for city life, Omaha is Nebraska's largest city and home to one of the highest living costs in the state. As of April 2025, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Omaha is $1,125. The good news is, that's still considerably lower than comparable sized cities. Data shows that the cost of living in Omaha is still 9.2% lower than the U.S. average and 3.4% higher than the state average.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost of living in Omaha:
| Cost of Living | Omaha | NE | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 90.8 | 87.8 | 100 |
| Grocery | 96.6 | 94.9 | 100 |
| Health | 114.4 | 131.3 | 100 |
| Housing | 82.2 | 70.3 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $252,100 | $228,100, | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 98.6 | 100 | 100 |
| Transportation | 81.7 | 76.1 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 132.2 | 114.3 | 100 |
You can also take a look at Lincoln, Nebraska, that has a higher-than-average cost of living. Like the rest of the state, it's still a lot more affordable compared to larger cities. The city’s overall cost of living is 3.5% higher than the state average, which means a more urbanized lifestyle with manageable living costs. Here's the cost breakdown for Lincoln:
| Cost of Living | Omaha | NE | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 92.6 | 87.8 | 100 |
| Grocery | 97.4 | 94.9 | 100 |
| Health | 134.4 | 131.3 | 100 |
| Housing | 81.7 | 70.3 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $263,400 | $228,100, | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 92.3 | 100 | 100 |
| Transportation | 76.0 | 76.1 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 135.4 | 114.3 | 100 |
Where is the Cost of Living Lowest in Nebraska?
If you want the ultimate affordability in Nebraska, look to smaller towns like Scottsbluff and North Platte offer some of the most budget-friendly options in Nebraska. The overall cost of living in Scottsbluff is 17.9% lower than the national average, making it an ideal place to stretch your dollar. Here’s a look at Scottsbluff’s cost of living:
| Cost of Living | Scottsbluff | NE | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 82.1 | 87.8 | 100 |
| Grocery | 97.1 | 94.9 | 100 |
| Health | 153.1 | 131.3 | 100 |
| Housing | 47.0 | 70.3 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $148,900 | $228,100, | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 100.9 | 100 | 100 |
| Transportation | 61.2 | 76.1 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 112.2 | 114.3 | 100 |
How Much Is Rent in Nebraska?
According to our April 2025 data, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Nebraska is approximately $856, while a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,069. Rental prices in Nebraska’s larger cities tend to be higher, but still relatively affordable compared to national standards. Here’s a breakdown of the rent for one- and two-bedroom apartments in some of Nebraska’s major cities:
| City | Median 1-Bedroom Rent | Median 2-Bedroom Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | $856 | $1,069 |
| Omaha, IA | $1,053 | $1,287 |
| Lincoln, IA | $930 | $1,115 |
| Bellevue, IA | $1,091 | $1,265 |
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a 1-Bedroom in Nebraska?
According to our April 2025 data, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Nebraska's metropolitan areas costs an overall average of $856 per month. Here's a breakdown by city:
| City | Median 1-Bedroom Rent |
|---|---|
| Overall | $856 |
| Omaha, NE | $1,053 |
| Lincoln, NE | $930 |
| Bellevue, NE | $1,091 |
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a 2-Bedroom in Nebraska?
Renting a two-bedroom apartment in Nebraska will cost around $1,070 on average. Here are the figures for key areas:
| City | Median 2-Bedroom Rent | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | $1,069 | |
| Omaha, NE | $1,287 | |
| Lincoln, NE | $1,115 | |
| Bellevue, NE | $1,265 |
How Much Does a House Cost in Nebraska?
If you're considering home ownership, there's more good news: Home prices in Nebraska remain relatively affordable. Here's what you can expect when looking to purchase a home:
| City | Median Home Price |
|---|---|
| Overall | $228,100 |
| Omaha, NE | $252,100 |
| Lincoln, NE | $263,400 |
| Bellevue, NE | $259,200 |
| Scottsbluff, NE | $148,900 |
If you're on a tight budget, Nebraska’s more rural areas like Scottsbluff offer great options for those looking to invest in real estate without breaking the bank.
What Salary Do You Need to Live in Nebraska?
To maintain a comfortable lifestyle, it’s recommended to follow the 30% rule, where no more than 30% of your income should go toward rent and basic living expenses. For example, to afford the average one-bedroom apartment rent of $925 per month in Nebraska, you would need to earn at least $37,000 per year or about $3,083 per month.
For cities like Omaha and Lincoln, where rent prices are higher, a salary of at least $42,000 annually would be more realistic for a one-bedroom apartment.
How Much Does Transportation Cost in Nebraska?
Transportation in Nebraska varies based on your location and how far you'll need to commute. According to MIT's living wage data, the average Nebraska resident spends about $10,598 per year on transportation and that figure goes up to $17,776 for two working adults and two children.
Public transportation options aren't widely available throughout the state, but you will find some in more urban areas like Omaha and Lincoln. The good news is a cost of a monthly bus pass in Omaha is around $55, making it a relatively affordable option if you live close to the city’s transit routes. In Lincoln, a monthly pass is only $17 a month, but it's reach around the city is limited.
How Much Do Groceries Cost in Nebraska?
Nebraska’s grocery prices are close to the national average, making it a budget-friendly state to shop for food. On average, Nebraskans spend around $3,500 per year on groceries. Nebraska is known for its hearty fare, with lots of locally grown produce and meats available, including famous Nebraska beef. Or locals can scoop up Runza, a bread pocket filled with seasoned ground beef, cabbage, and seasonings, baked until golden brown.
If you want to dine out in Nebraska, here's what to expect from some of the dining prices around the state for a three-course meal for two at a moderately-priced restaurant. These figures don't include alcohol, dessert, or tip.
- Omaha: $75
- Lincoln: $55
- Fremont: $80
You can also make the most of Nebraska's food scene at small mom and pop restaurants, roadside diners, and food trucks in the cities.
How Much Is Child Care in Nebraska?
Childcare is always a significant part of a family's budget, and costs in Nebraska will vary depending on your location and the care options available. According to MIT's living wage data, parents in Nebraska can expect to pay about $11,711 per year for one child and $22,366 for two children. This can be more in larger cities like Omaha and Lincoln, where the cost of living is slightly higher. You can look to more rural areas for a cost break, or team up with another family for a nanny share or creative scheduling options to swap babysitting during work hours.
How Much Does Healthcare Cost in Nebraska?
It's important to factor in medical costs and healthcare into your monthly budget. Fortunately, these costs are relatively low. A single adult can expect to pay around $3,342 annually for healthcare, while a family of four will typically spend around $9,120 per year on medical costs.
How Much Are Utilities in Nebraska?
Winters in Nebraska can get cold, with average highs in the mid-30s and average lows dipping into the mid-teens. There's also the potential for snow and sub-zero temperatures with windchill. You should factor in a little more for utility utility costs when winter strikes, but costs in Nebraska are slightly below the national average of $253.14. Here's a look at costs in some of the major cities:
- Omaha: $328.12 (plus $121.40 for a mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ Data and Internet of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)
- Lincoln: $111.17 (plus $121.88 for a mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ Data and Internet of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)
- Fremont: $289.24 (plus $121.88 for a mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ Data and Internet of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)
Fitness and Entertainment
Nebraska offers a good balance of affordable entertainment and fitness options. From state parks and hiking trails to local cinemas and gym memberships, there's something for everyone. Here's a snapshot of some common costs in the area:
Cinema Tickets in Nebraska
If you enjoy a good movie and want an idea of movie prices in Nebraska, here's what to expect. These costs don't include snacks and drinks.
- Omaha: $14
- Lincoln: $15
- Fremont: $15
Gym Memberships
You can stay fit in Nebraska relatively affordably with a gym membership. Here's the latest data from Numbeo showing average gym prices from different major cities:
- Omaha: $49.44
- Lincoln: $56.67
- Fremont: $36.66
State Parks in Nebraska
If you want to stay fit, you can enjoy Nebraska's state parks that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With a modest entrance fee (usually around $6 per vehicle), these parks offer hiking, fishing, picnicking, and more. Some of the best parks to explore include:
Chadron State Park: Nestled in the Nebraska Pine Ridge, this park offers trails for hiking, mountain biking, and opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. The surrounding scenery makes it a serene escape.
Smith Falls State Park: Known for the state's tallest waterfall, Smith Falls offers stunning views, hiking trails, and picnicking spots, perfect for a day trip with family and friends.
Indian Cave State Park: Situated along the Missouri River, this park is a fantastic spot for hiking, horseback riding, and camping. The park’s caves and scenic views make it an intriguing location for explorers.
Nebraska’s state parks provide a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to fishing and nature walks, making them great destinations for adventure lovers on a budget.
How Much Are Taxes in Nebraska?
Nebraska's state income tax is structured progressively, meaning the more you earn, the higher your income tax rate. Nebraska’s rates range from 2.46% to 6.84%, with the highest rate applying to incomes over a certain threshold. While the state's income tax may not be the highest in the country, it’s still important to be aware of the rates as you plan your finances. Additionally, Nebraska offers various tax credits and deductions that may help reduce your overall tax liability.
Nebraska's sales tax rate is 5.5%, which is fairly standard compared to other states. However, some localities within Nebraska may impose additional sales taxes, so it’s a good idea to check with your specific city or county to ensure you're accounting for any extra taxes in your area.
Ready to Move to Nebraska?
If you're looking to make a move to Nebraska and enjoy the affordable cost of living, we’re here to help! Whether you're drawn to the lively city atmosphere of Omaha or the peaceful charm of smaller towns, finding your perfect home is just a click away.Start your apartment search today and make Nebraska your new home!
FAQs: Cost of Living in Nebraska
How expensive is an apartment in Nebraska?
Rent prices in Nebraska can shift quite a bit based on your location. On average, a one-bedroom apartment across the state costs about $856 per month and $1,069 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What is the cheapest rent in Nebraska?
A one-bedroom apartment in Nebraska costs an overall average of $856 per month. A one-bedroom apartment in Omaha costs $1,053 per month, a one-bedroom apartment in Lincoln costs $930 per month and a one-bedroom apartment in Bellevue costs $1,091 a month.
Is it expensive to live in Nebraska?
Rental costs in Nebraska vary depending on the city you call home. Statewide, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $856 per month. In Omaha, that number climbs to about $1,053. A single adult will spend $4,228 on food, $10,760 on transportation, and $3,653 on healthcare a month.
What is the population of Nebraska?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Nebraska as of 2024 was 2,005,465.
What is a good salary in Nebraska?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Nebraska is $74,985. However, you should spend no more than 30% on rent. If the overall average for a one-bedroom apartment in Nebraska is $856 a month, you need to earn at least $34,240 per year, $2,853.33 a month, or $16.44 per hour.
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